In a significant announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stalwart, Lal Krishna Advani, is to be honored with the prestigious Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award. This recognition is a testament to Advani’s monumental contributions to the development of the country and his distinguished career in public service.
The Prime Minister took to a popular social media platform to share his sentiments, expressing how privileged he felt to have interacted with and learned from Advani over the years. PM Modi underscored the deep significance of this honor, stating that it marked a moment of great emotion for him personally. He lauded Advani’s unwavering commitment to transparency and integrity, qualities that have set an exemplary standard in political ethics. Moreover, the Prime Minister acknowledged Advani’s tireless efforts in advancing national unity and promoting cultural resurgence.
This announcement holds particular significance as it follows the recent consecration of the Ram temple, a historic moment for the BJP. The temple’s construction was a central theme in Indian politics, initially brought to the forefront of public consciousness by LK Advani’s ‘Ram Rath Yatra’ in 1990. This journey captured the imagination of the masses and played a pivotal role in bolstering the BJP’s position as a key challenger to the Congress, the dominant national party at the time.
Political Journey
LK Advani’s journey in Indian politics is a remarkable one. Born in Karachi and migrating to India after the Partition, he began his political career as a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at the young age of fourteen. In 1951, he joined the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, a precursor to the BJP, which was founded by the iconic Syama Prasad Mookerjee.
Advani’s political trajectory saw him become a member of the Rajya Sabha in 1970, serving four terms until 1989. During this period, he held vital roles, including that of the Minister for Information and Broadcasting and Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha following the Janata Party’s electoral triumph in 1977.
As one of the founding members of the BJP, Advani served as the party’s president on three separate occasions. In 1989, he secured his first Lok Sabha membership. During Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure as Prime Minister in 1999, Advani assumed critical positions as the Minister of Home Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister.
In 2015, LK Advani was bestowed with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the nation.
