PM Modi Greets L.K. Advani on Entering 100th Year, Highlights His Enduring Contribution to Indian Politics
Prime Minister Recalls Advani's Journey from Partition and Emergency to Building the BJP, Leading the Ram Rath Yatra and Serving as Deputy Prime Minister
In a message shared on social media platform X, Modi described November 8 as a landmark day and conveyed his greetings to Advani on the special occasion. He also revealed that he had written an article highlighting the veteran leader’s enduring contribution to India and various aspects of his personal and political life.
The Prime Minister said Advani’s life journey reflected extraordinary determination, commitment and dedication to public service. He particularly recalled how Advani experienced the horrors of Partition before rebuilding his life from scratch in India and subsequently emerging as a prominent figure in the country’s political landscape.
“Today, 8th November, is a landmark day. Respected L.K. Advani Ji enters his hundredth year. On this special occasion, my greetings to him,” Modi said in his post on X.
From Partition to Becoming a Key Architect of the BJP
Recalling Advani’s political journey, Modi highlighted his role in strengthening the Bharatiya Jana Sangh and subsequently building the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) into a major national political force.
Born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi, which is now in Pakistan, Advani witnessed the upheaval and displacement caused by the Partition of India in 1947. Following Partition, he moved to India and began rebuilding his life in a new environment.
His association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and subsequent involvement in the Jana Sangh laid the foundation for a long political career.
Advani emerged as one of the principal leaders responsible for strengthening the BJP after its formation in 1980. Alongside former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and other party leaders, he played a significant role in expanding the organisation’s political presence across the country.
The Prime Minister acknowledged these contributions, describing Advani’s role in building the BJP as an important chapter in India’s political history.
Role During Emergency and Ram Rath Yatra
Modi also recalled Advani’s resistance to the Emergency imposed in India between 1975 and 1977. During this period, democratic institutions faced severe restrictions, opposition leaders were detained and civil liberties were curtailed.
Advani was among the prominent opposition leaders who opposed the Emergency and defended democratic values.
Another significant milestone in his political career was his leadership of the Somnath-to-Ayodhya Rath Yatra in 1990. The nationwide political mobilisation became a defining moment in Indian politics and significantly influenced the country’s political discourse.
The Prime Minister specifically mentioned the Rath Yatra while acknowledging Advani’s contribution to India’s political and social developments.
Advani subsequently served in several important government positions, including as Deputy Prime Minister from 2002 to 2004 under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led National Democratic Alliance government.
He also held the portfolios of Home Affairs and later played an important role in parliamentary affairs and national politics.
Modi Highlights Advani’s Interest in Books, Culture and Cinema
Apart from his political achievements, the Prime Minister also highlighted Advani’s personal interests and intellectual pursuits.
Modi described him as a voracious reader with a deep appreciation for Indian culture and cinema. He also acknowledged Advani’s contribution as a prolific writer, noting that his writings offer insights into his political experiences, ideological journey and understanding of India’s history.
The Prime Minister said his article covered these lesser-discussed dimensions of Advani’s personality, presenting a broader picture of the veteran leader beyond his public and political responsibilities.
Advani was conferred the Padma Vibhushan in 2015 and India’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, in 2024, in recognition of his contributions to public life.
His entry into his 100th year marks a significant milestone in a political journey spanning several decades and witnessing major transformations in India’s democratic and political landscape.
Modi’s message underlined the enduring significance of Advani’s contributions, particularly his role in the development of the BJP, his opposition to the Emergency and his years of service in government.
The Prime Minister concluded his message by extending his greetings to the veteran leader on the occasion, acknowledging a life devoted to public service and India’s political development.
