New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stalwart Lal Krishna Advani is set to receive the prestigious Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, as announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday.
Describing it as an “emotional moment,” PM Modi emphasized LK Advani’s revered statesmanship, noting his monumental contributions to India’s development.
Expressing his joy, PM Modi shared on X (formerly Twitter), “I am delighted to announce that Shri LK Advani Ji will be honoured with the Bharat Ratna. I had the privilege of speaking to him and extending my heartfelt congratulations.”
Originally from Karachi, Advani relocated to post-partition India, making Mumbai his home. His political journey commenced at the age of 14 when he joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1941.
In subsequent chapters of his political career, Advani aligned himself with the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the precursor to the BJP. As one of its founding members, he served three consecutive terms as the party’s president, confronting numerous challenges with merit.
Nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 1970, Advani held the position for four consequential terms until 1989. A significant milestone occurred when he secured Lok Sabha membership for the first time following the 1989 elections.
In 1990, Advani initiated the Ram Rath Yatra to advocate for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, starting from Somnath in Gujarat and reaching Ayodhya. The yatra garnered widespread support, and post the 1991 general elections, the BJP emerged as the second-largest party in parliament, trailing only behind the Congress.