BJP Stalwart and one of the main faces of the Ram Mandir movement, Lal Krishna Advani, will be conferred with India’s highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna. The annoucement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is one of closest leader to Advani, calling it a very “emotional moment”. PM Modi spoke to the BJP’s longest serving president, who is credited with crafting the party’s rise through the 90s and congratulated him.
“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,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
“Advani Ji’s decades-long service in public life has been marked by an unwavering commitment to transparency and integrity, setting an exemplary standard in political ethics. He has made unparalleled efforts towards furthering national unity and cultural resurgence,” he said.
“The conferring of the Bharat Ratna on him is a very emotional moment for me. I will always consider it my privilege that I got countless opportunities to interact with him and learn from him,” PM Modi added.
Shortly after the announcement, leaders from across the country congratulated Advani and heaped praises on the former deputy prime minister of India. Reacting to the development, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh thanked PM Modi and said that Advani strengthened the country and democracy through his parliamentary and administrative abilities.
“The decision to award Bharat Ratna to the revered Lal Krishna Advani ji, an inspiration to all of us and a senior leader of the country, has brought great joy and happiness. He is a symbol of purity, dedication and determination in politics. The significant contribution that Advani ji has made to the country’s development and nation-building in various roles during his long public life is unforgettable and inspiring. He has also played an important role in keeping the unity and integrity of India intact,” Rajnath Singh wrote on X.
“As a national leader, he has strengthened the country and democracy through his scholarship, parliamentary and administrative abilities. It is a matter of joy for every Indian to receive the honor of Bharat Ratna. I thank Prime Minister Shri @narendramodiji for this decision and congratulate Advaniji,” Singh added.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also congratulated the BJP veteran leader saying that Advani was an inspiration to all. “The decision to honor the Bharat Ratna to respected Shri Lal Krishna Advani, founding member of the Bharatiya Janata Party, source of inspiration for countless workers and former Deputy Prime Minister, is in recognition of his decades of service, commitment and unwavering commitment towards the integrity of the nation in public life and political career,” Yogi Adityanath said.
“This is going to honor his unique efforts in setting high standards of purity and morality. His tireless efforts towards national integration and cultural revival are a source of unique inspiration for all of us. Hearty congratulations to respected Advani ji!” he said.
Daughter of LK Advani Pratibha Advani, said, “the entire family and I are very happy that he has been given the highest civilian award in the country…He is very happy…He said that he dedicated his entire life to the service of the country. He thanks the PM as well as the people of the country that he is being given this award at this stage in his life.”
Speaking on the Bharat Ratna for his father, Advani’s son Jayant, said, “My family and I are extremely delighted on this new development. I would like to thank PM Narendra Modi for conferring this award on my father…My father’s contribution to public life has been immense and it is wonderful to note that at this stage in his life, his efforts are being recognised in this magnificent way.”
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said, “Awarding Bharat Ratna to our source of inspiration Lal Krishna Advani is a proud moment for us and the entire country. He dedicated his entire life to the country and society. Atal Bihari Vajpayee and he played an important role in the expansion of the BJP.”
Taking a dig at BJP, BRS MLC K Kavitha said, “Many congratulations to Lal Krishna Advani for being conferred Bharat Ratna. This is good that the Ram temple was also built and Lal Krishna Advani has been conferred Bharat Ratna. BJP’s agenda seems to be being completed.”
