Lal Krishna Advani

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Lal Krishna Advani is set to receive the prestigious Bharat Ratna award, marking the 50th presentation of this esteemed honour since its inception. Notably, this recognition will be the seventh during the BJP’s ten-year tenure.

A press release from the President’s House stated, “The President has graciously chosen to confer the Bharat Ratna upon Shri Lal Krishna Advani.” This announcement follows the recent acknowledgment of the late Karpoori Thakur, a socialist icon and former Chief Minister of Bihar, with the same honor.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his joy in a social media post, announcing, “I am delighted to announce that Shri LK Advani Ji will be awarded the Bharat Ratna. His significant contributions to India’s progress make him one of the most respected statesmen of our era.”

Acknowledging Advani’s lifelong dedication, PM Modi remarked, “From humble beginnings to serving as our Deputy Prime Minister, Advani Ji’s journey exemplifies commitment and service. His parliamentary engagements have consistently offered profound insights.”

BJP Legend Lal Krishna Advani to Receive Bharat Ratna

In response, Advani, aged 96, expressed his gratitude, stating, “The Bharat Ratna is not just an accolade for me, but for the ideals I’ve upheld throughout my life. My journey, guided by the motto ‘idam-na-mama’ (This life is not mine, my life is for my nation), commenced at the age of 14 when I joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.”

Born in Karachi, Pakistan, on November 8, 1927, Advani has served as the longest-serving President of the Bharatiya Janata Party since its inception in 1980. He held key positions such as Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister in the cabinet of the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1999–2004).

Recognized for his intellectual prowess and unwavering commitment to India’s prosperity, Advani’s leadership has been lauded by many, including the late Vajpayee, who commended his dedication to nationalism while maintaining political adaptability.

Despite the upheaval of India’s partition in 1947, Advani remained undeterred, striving for a more secular India. His efforts in Rajasthan as an RSS Pracharak and his pivotal role in shaping the BJP into a national force during the late 1980s and 1990s underscore his enduring legacy. This journey culminated in a significant electoral success for the party in the 1989 general election, reflecting Advani’s instrumental role in Indian politics.