NEW DELHI: Veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader LK Advani responded with humility and gratitude to the Bharat Ratna award conferred on him, stating, “With 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.”
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 India’s highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna.
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Speaking about the award, BJP leader and Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “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.”
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
During the announcement, PM Modi emphasised Advani’s monumental role in India’s development, hailing him as one of the most esteemed statesmen in the country. “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,” 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 BJP’s rise in the 1991 general elections, making them the second-largest party in the parliament after the Congress.
