Newdelhi:8/11/26:Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday penned a tribute to veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani as he entered his 100th year, recalling his contributions to Indian politics, his role in building the BJP and his involvement in key political movements, including the Ram Rath Yatra and the struggle against the Emergency.
Sharing the article on X, PM Modi described Advani’s life as an example of resilience, ideological commitment and public service. He recalled how the Partition of 1947 forced Advani to leave his home in Sindh, but he rebuilt his life without bitterness and went on to strengthen the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and the BJP.
Highlighting Advani’s political leadership, the Prime Minister noted that during his tenures as BJP president, the party emerged as the single-largest party in the 1996 Lok Sabha elections. He also credited Advani with nurturing generations of party workers and establishing the principle of ‘Nation First’ as a guiding philosophy.
PM Modi recalled Advani’s association with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, describing their decades-long political partnership as an exceptional example of cooperation between two prominent leaders.
He also highlighted Advani’s parliamentary career, which began in 1970, following his appointment as Chairman of the Delhi Metropolitan Council in 1967. Advani served as Leader of the Opposition in both Houses of Parliament and held several important positions in the Union government.
Recalling the Emergency imposed in 1975, PM Modi described it as a watershed moment in Advani’s life and praised his role in defending democracy. He referred to Advani’s book A Prisoner’s Scrap-Book, particularly its account of the similarities between the Emergency in India and developments in Nazi Germany in 1933.
The Prime Minister also highlighted Advani’s administrative contributions as Union Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, particularly in strengthening India’s security apparatus and taking a firm stand against terrorism.
Reflecting on the 1990 Somnath-Ayodhya Rath Yatra, PM Modi described it as an iconic moment in India’s political and social history. He recalled being associated with the Yatra from its planning stage and praised Advani’s endurance and determination throughout the journey.
PM Modi further recalled Advani’s commitment to the Ram Temple movement, his simplicity, interest in literature and cinema, and efforts to preserve Sindhi culture through initiatives such as the Sindhu Darshan Puja.
He also acknowledged the contribution of Advani’s wife, Kamla Advani, describing her as a constant source of strength and support throughout his public life.
Born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi, present-day Pakistan, Advani joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in 1942. He served as BJP president for three separate terms and held the portfolios of Union Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister in the NDA government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
In recognition of his contribution to public life, Advani was conferred the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 2024 by President Droupadi Murmu.