Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended heartfelt birthday wishes to veteran BJP leader and Bharat Ratna awardee Lal Krishna Advani as he turned 99. Marking the beginning of Advani's 100th year, Modi described his contribution to Indian politics as extraordinary and highlighted two qualities that, according to him, always set the senior leader apart: ideological clarity and intellectual sharpness.
In a special article titled 'Bharat Ratna LK Advani Ji at 100', Modi recalled Advani's long political journey, his role in strengthening the Jana Sangh and building the BJP, and his contribution to the country's democratic institutions.
The Prime Minister also praised the remarkable partnership between Advani and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He said the two leaders worked together for several decades without allowing political competition to come between them, setting a rare example of cooperation in Indian politics.
Highlighting Advani's intellectual abilities, Modi said his speeches, writings, parliamentary interventions and interviews reflected exceptional clarity of thought. He added that the resolutions authored by Advani during his Jana Sangh and BJP years remain relevant and worth reading even today.
The Prime Minister also recalled Advani's experience of Partition in 1947, when he had to leave his home in Sindh and rebuild his life from scratch. According to Modi, this ability to overcome difficulties without bitterness remained one of the defining features of Advani's personality.
Modi highlighted Advani's contribution to the BJP's growth, recalling how the party emerged as the single largest party in the 1996 Lok Sabha elections. He also praised the veteran leader for nurturing generations of party workers and establishing the principle of 'Nation First' within the organisation.
Another significant chapter of Advani's political career was his role during the Emergency imposed in 1975. Modi described him as one of the leaders who stood at the forefront of protecting democracy and the Constitution.
The Prime Minister also recalled the historic Somnath to Ayodhya Rath Yatra, which he said changed the course of Indian politics and society. Modi mentioned his own involvement in the planning and execution of the journey.
Advani's contributions as Union Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, particularly in strengthening national security and tackling terrorism, also featured in the article.
Modi further remembered Advani's love for reading, cinema, theatre and Sindhi culture. He also acknowledged the constant support of Advani's wife, Kamla Advani, throughout his public life.
In 2024, Advani was honoured with the Bharat Ratna for his contribution to the nation. Concluding his tribute, Modi prayed for his good health and expressed hope that the veteran leader would continue to inspire generations to come.
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