NEW DELHI: Veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader LK Advani responded with humility and gratitude to the Bharat Ratna award conferred on him, stating, โWith utmost humility and gratitude, I accept the Bharat Ratna that has been conferred on me today. It is not only an honour for me as a person but also for the ideals and principles that I have strove to serve throughout my life to the best of my ability.โ
On Saturday, Lal Krishna Advani, a prominent figure in the BJP, known for his pivotal role in bringing the party to national prominence, especially through his Rath Yatra advocating for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya in the early 1990s, was honoured with Indiaโs highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna.
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Speaking about the award, BJP leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, โI 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.โ
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 aโฆ pic.twitter.com/Ya78qjJbPK
โ Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 3, 2024
During the announcement, PM Modi emphasised Advaniโs monumental role in Indiaโs development, hailing him as one of the most esteemed statesmen in the country. โOne of the most respected statesmen of our times, his contribution to the development of India is monumental.
โHis 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,โ PM added.
Born in Karachi, LK Advani moved to India after the Partition and became a member of the RSS at the age of 14 in 1941.
Joining the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951, founded by BJP icon Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Advani secured his first term in the Rajya Sabha in 1970, serving for four terms until 1989.
In 1990, he initiated the Ram Rath Yatra, advocating for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, a move that significantly contributed to the BJPโs rise in the 1991 general elections, making them the second-largest party in the parliament after the Congress.
