Atal Bihari Vajpayee, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • New Delhi
  • Last updated on

Former Indian Prime Minister among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?

According to a credible source, the former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the political figure's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 30/12/2025 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Vajpayee for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 101-year-old political figure, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Vajpayee so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the political figure have already been named ‘Indian Of The Year’ by some major Indian newspapers and even ‘Gwalior Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Gwalior (Atal Bihari Vajpayee's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the political figure was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“Atal Bihari Vajpayee Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 29 Dec 2025
“Congrats! Atal has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 29 Dec 2025
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Atal Bihari Vajpayee?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 29 Dec 2025

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Atal Bihari Vajpayee?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

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