President Presents Bharat Ratna To LK Advani
President Droupadi Murmu bestowed the prestigious Bharat Ratna upon veteran BJP leader and former Deputy Prime Minister of India, LK Advani today at his residence. The event took place in the presence of country”s top politicians including Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the family members of LK Advani gathered to witness the momentous occasion. Announcement of Bharat Ratna, India”s top civilian honour to the controversial politician, to LK Advani who was at the forefront of Ram Janmabhumi movement in the 1980s and 1990s and a hardcore leader of Hindutva ideology, had earlier caused murmers, with the critics calling it as a political move by the government to cash in votes in the name of inauguration of Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
In a note, President Droupadi Murmu paid homage to Advani”s contributions to the nation spanning over seven decades. “Shri Advani, a doyen of Indian politics, has served the nation with unwavering dedication and distinction,” remarked President Murmu.
Emphasizing Advani”s vision of “cultural nationalism”, President Murmu highlighted his tireless efforts in reshaping the socio-political landscape of India. “His long and tireless struggle for India’s cultural regeneration culminated in the reconstruction of Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya in 2024,” President Murmu remarked, acknowledging Advani”s pivotal role in a historic moment for the nation.
President Murmu also lauded Advani”s stalwart defense of democracy during the Emergency period, where his unwavering commitment to democratic principles stood as a bulwark against authoritarian tendencies. “As a parliamentarian, his emphasis on dialogue enriched parliamentary traditions,” President Murmu noted, underscoring Shri Advani”s dedication to upholding the democratic fabric of the nation.
“His accomplishments provide the best articulation of the genius of India and its inclusive traditions,” President Murmu concluded, acknowledging Advani”s indelible mark on the nation”s developmental trajectory.
Born in 1927, Lal Krishna Advani served as the home minister and then deputy Prime minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led BJP government from 2022 to 2004. He was one of the co-founders of the BJP and also the longest-served president of the party since its onset in 1980. The now 96-year-old Advani was one of the major figures who is credited with popularising the Bharatiya Janata Party in Indian national politics during his active career tenure.
Inspired by the ideals of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), he became an RSS worker as early as 1947. He was also part of the BJP’s predecessor, Jana Sangh. It was after his Ram Janmabhoomi movement in Ayodhya that he became the face of the aggressive Hindutva ideology. He led the famous Ram Rath Yatra in 1990s to mobilise people to the campaign to build a Ram temple on the site where the 16th Century Babari Masjid was standing. The movement eventually led to the demolition of the Masjid by the kar sevaks, the religious volunteers involving the VHP and BJP workers.
