The Modi government recently conferred India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, BJP veteran and former Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani. This gesture is viewed as a token of gratitude to the saffron stalwart, who played a pivotal role in transforming the BJP into a major political force. Advani's strategic decisions and effective opposition to ideological opponents have been instrumental in shaping the party's trajectory.
Prime Minister Modi's announcement of the decision, made on X, came shortly after the 'Pran Pratistha' ceremony of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya. This event marked the culmination of a movement that Advani, as BJP president, passionately supported. His pledge of the party's backing and subsequent rath yatra played a significant role in galvanising support for the construction of the temple in Ayodhya. Additionally, Advani's leadership solidified the BJP's position as a credible alternative to "secular" parties.
“I am very happy to share that Shri L K Advani Ji will be conferred the Bharat Ratna. 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,” Modi said.
“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 unparallelled efforts towards furthering national unity and cultural resurgence,” he said.
