New Delhi, December 25, 2006 - Several political leaders including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called on the residence of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stalwart Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Monday to greet him on his 82nd birthday. 

The number of visitors at his Krishna Menon Marg residence here showed the popularity of the octogenarian leader. The prime minister visited Vajpayee's residence Monday morning and presented him a bouquet as per IANS.

The way BJP leaders flocked the residence of the former prime minister sent a signal that his political innings is far from over and the party won't let him retire from active politics any time now.

BJP chief Rajnath Singh and senior party leaders also came to greet him.
'The way party workers and leaders gathered around him on his birthday is an indication that he is still the most popular party leader,' a BJP leader said.

Vajpayee's birthday has come just after a crucial BJP national executive meeting in Lucknow during which he gave an indication that he is opting out of the race for prime minister. He announced that he would propose the name of L.K. Advani, his long time colleague, for the post of prime minister.