Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Saturday that LK Advani will be conferred the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian honour.
In a momentous announcement that resonates with the recent jubilation over the consecration of the Ram temple in India, the Government has unveiled its decision to bestow the prestigious Bharat Ratna upon Senior BJP Leader Lal Krishna Advani. This marks a significant accolade for the veteran politician and key architect of the Ram Janambhoomi movement. The honor places Advani as the 50th recipient of India’s highest civilian award since its inception, and notably, the 7th during the current Modi Government regime.
In an official press communiqué from the President’s House, it was revealed, “The President has been pleased to award Bharat Ratna to Shri Lal Krishna Advani.” This announcement follows the recent recognition of socialist icon and former Chief Minister of Bihar, the late Karpoori Thakur, with the same honor.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing his elation, shared on social media, “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.” Modi also highlighted Advani’s journey from grassroots activism to serving as the Deputy Prime Minister, Home Minister, and I&B Minister, praising his exemplary parliamentary interventions.
Addressing a gathering in Odisha, Modi emphasized that conferring Bharat Ratna upon Advani is a tribute to the ideology of ‘nation first’ and a recognition of the relentless efforts of millions of BJP workers and leaders nationwide. He underscored that it symbolizes honor for the party’s ideologies and the struggles of its vast cadre, transforming it from a two-MP party to the world’s largest political party.
In response, Advani, now 96, expressed gratitude, stating that Bharat Ratna is not just an honor for him but for the ideals and principles he has steadfastly championed throughout his life. From his early days as a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh volunteer at the age of 14, he emphasized his dedication to selfless service for the nation, guided by the motto ‘idam-na-mama’ – ‘This life is not mine, my life is for my nation.’
Advani played a pivotal role as the BJP Chief in 1989 when the party adopted the Mandir pledge, followed by his historic ‘Rath Yatra’ in 1990 from Somnath in Gujarat to Ayodhya in UP, aiming to build the Ram temple. This event marked a turning point in Indian politics, catapulting the BJP’s seat tally from two to 86. In 1992, the Ram Mandir resolution bore fruit, leading the BJP to 121 seats, and in 1996, the party secured 161 seats, reshaping Indian democracy by dethroning the Congress from its long-standing position.
Born in Karachi, present-day Pakistan, on November 8, 1927, Advani’s journey includes serving as the President of the Bharatiya Janata Party for an extended period since its inception in 1980. His parliamentary career, spanning nearly three decades, saw him hold the positions of Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister in the cabinet of the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1999-2004).
Advani’s celebration of India’s independence in 1947 was overshadowed by the tragic events of partition, where he, like millions, experienced the anguish of being torn from his homeland. Rather than succumbing to bitterness, these events fueled his determination to contribute to a more secular India. With this objective, he journeyed to Rajasthan to continue his work as an RSS Pracharak.
BJP Leaders and Allies Applaud the Recognition
Union ministers, top BJP leaders, and the party’s allies have united in expressing their joy and congratulations for Advani’s well-deserved accolade. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed Advani as an “inspiration” and a “symbol of purity, dedication, and determination in politics.” Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur emphasized the award as a poignant acknowledgment of a “national hero’s life” devoted to the service of the nation.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who had the privilege of working with Advani during the tenure of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, conveyed his congratulations and expressed gratitude for the learnings garnered from the veteran leader. Chirag Paswan, chief of Lok Janshakti Party (LJP), a BJP ally in Bihar, conveyed his “heartiest congratulations” to Advani, thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the honor.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami echoed the sentiment, stating that the recognition of Advani as a Bharat Ratna brings great happiness, emphasizing his inspirational role. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav reflected on Advani’s role as a fighter for democracy during the Emergency and thanked PM Modi for the decision.
Opposition Leaders Share Their Views
RJD leader Manoj Jha expressed happiness, highlighting Advani’s journey from grassroots to Deputy Prime Minister and lauding his exemplary parliamentary interventions. Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha, while congratulating Advani, took a veiled dig at the ruling party, connecting the award to the BJP’s agenda after the opening of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav acknowledged Advani’s significant place in politics, emphasizing the party’s continued respect for him. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal extended congratulations and best wishes, expressing prayers for Advani’s health and longevity. NCP President Sharad Pawar recognized Advani’s valuable contribution to the country’s development, offering heartfelt congratulations.
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu commended Advani’s exceptional contributions, describing him as a scholar and statesman. Naidu recalled the privilege of working with Advani and praised his warmth and affectionate nature.
In conclusion, the recognition of Lal Krishna Advani with the Bharat Ratna not only honors an individual but symbolizes the acknowledgment of a lifetime dedicated to serving the nation. His contributions have left an indelible mark on Indian politics, shaping the trajectory of the BJP and influencing key historical events.