NEW DELHI: In a significant revelation on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to microblogging site X to announce the prestigious Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, for Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) veteran leader Lal Krishna Advani. Describing this moment as emotional, the Prime Minister praised Advani’s exceptional contribution to India’s development.
PM Modi expressed his joy, stating, “I am very happy to share that LK Advani Ji will be conferred the Bharat Ratna. I also spoke to him and congratulated him on being conferred this honour. One of the most respected statesmen of our times, his contribution to the development of India is monumental. His is a life that started from working at the grassroots to serving the nation as our Deputy Prime Minister. He distinguished himself as our Home Minister and I&B Minister as well. His Parliamentary interventions have always been exemplary, full of rich insights.”
View His Tweet Here:
I am very happy to share that Shri LK Advani Ji will be conferred the Bharat Ratna. I also spoke to him and congratulated him on being conferred this honour. One of the most respected statesmen of our times, his contribution to the development of India is monumental. His is a… pic.twitter.com/Ya78qjJbPK
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 3, 2024
LK Advani, the 96-year-old BJP veteran, held the position of Minister of Home Affairs from 1998 to 2004, marking the longest tenure in this role. Moreover, he holds the record as the longest-serving Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Born in Karachi, Advani migrated to India during the Partition and later became a co-founder of the BJP.
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His significant role in the saffron party during the 90s, particularly with the Rath Yatra and the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, solidified his influence. In the subsequent General Elections, BJP emerged as the second-largest party after Congress, with Advani leading the Opposition.
Breaking: LK Advani to Receive Bharat Ratna.
PM Modi announces on ‘X’, “I am very happy to share that Shri LK Advani Ji will be conferred the Bharat Ratna. One of the most respected statesmen of our times, his contribution to the development of India is monumental.”
Reports:… pic.twitter.com/KhZ5TCZkXS— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) February 3, 2024
Emphasising the emotional significance of the moment, PM Modi stated, “Advani Ji’s decades-long service in public life has been marked by an unwavering commitment to transparency and integrity, setting an exemplary standard in political ethics. He has made unparalleled efforts towards furthering national unity and cultural resurgence. The conferring of the Bharat Ratna on him is a very emotional moment for me. I will always consider it my privilege that I got countless opportunities to interact with him and learn from him.”
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LK Advani served as the Deputy Prime Minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, leading various ministries during his extensive political career. He was a member of both Houses of Parliament from 1970 to 2019.
Earlier on January 23, the government had announced Bharat Ratna for the late Bihar Chief Minister and prominent socialist leader, Karpoori Thakur. PM Modi expressed his happiness over honouring Thakur with the prestigious award.