Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former prime minister and BJP stalwart, passed away on Thursday, Indian Express reported.

He was 93. Vajpayee was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in June. 

Vajpayee, who had been ailing for long, retreated from active public life over the last decade following the deterioration of his health and remained restricted to his residence. 

A host of leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the BJP patriarch at AIIMS. Modi met the doctors and enquired about the well-being of Vajpayee. He also met his family members, according to an official statement.