"Honour for My Ideas and Principles": LK Advani on Bharat Ratna recognition

LK Advani, a stalwart in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), responded to the prestigious Bharat Ratna conferred upon him on Saturday, stating, "It is not only an honour for me as a person, but also for the ideals and principles that I have strove to serve throughout my life." In an official statement, Advani expressed utmost humility and gratitude, emphasizing his reward in the dedicated and selfless service to the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Advani, praising his monumental contribution to India's development and hailing him as one of the most esteemed statesmen in the count.

LK Advani, a veteran BJP leader and pivotal figure in the party's rise to national prominence, has graciously accepted the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award. In his official statement, Advani acknowledged the honour not just for himself but also for the ideals and principles he has stood by throughout his life. Prime Minister Modi, in his congratulatory message, lauded Advani's significant role in India's development, highlighting his journey from grassroots work to serving as Deputy Prime Minister, Home Minister, and I&B Minister.

Born in Karachi and joining the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at the age of fourteen, Advani became a key member of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1951, which later transformed into the BJP. Notably, his initiation of the Ram Rath Yatra in 1990 advocating for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya played a crucial role in the BJP's ascent in national politics. The Rath Yatra garnered widespread support, propelling the BJP to the position of the second-largest party in the 1991 general elections. Advani's contributions have left an indelible mark on the nation's political landscape.