'Not Only An Honour For Me, But For Ideals I Served': LK Advani on Bharat Ratna

Co-founder of the BJP party, Advani is mostly credited for catapulting the party's rise in the 1990's.

PM Modi announces Bharat Ratna for LK Advani.

(Photo: Kamran Akhter/The Quint)

BJP stalwart Lal Krishna Advani, 96, who propelled the party into national reckoning with his Rath Yatra for Ayodhya's Ram Temple in the early 1990s, will be conferred with Bharat Ratna, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Saturday, 3 February.

"I also spoke to him and congratulated him on being conferred this honour. One of the most respected statesmen of our times, his contribution to the development of India is monumental," PM Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

In a statement, LK Advani said that he accepted the award with "utmost humility and gratitude"

"It is not only an honour for me as a person, but also for the ideals and principles that I have strobe to serve throughout my life to the best of my ability. Ever since I joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh as its volunteer at the age of 14, I have sought reward in only thing-- in dedicated and selfless service of my beloved country in whatever task life assigned to me."

LK Advani in a statement released on 3 February

PM Modi announces Bharat Ratna for LK Advani.

(Photo: PM Modi/X)

Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award in India. Recently, the award was also bestowed upon former Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur (posthumously).

Advani also expressed his gratitude to BJP, RSS works, with whom "I had the privilege of working throughout my journey in public life."

"I also express my deepest feelings for all members of my family, especially my dear departed wife Kamla. They have been the greatest source of strength and sustainance in my life. My sincere thanks to President Smt. Droupadi Murmu ji and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji for bestowing this honour on me. May our great country progress to the pinnacle of greatness and glory,"

BJP Stalwart LK Advani

Apart from heading several ministries, Advani had served as the Deputy Prime Minister in Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.

He has been a member of both Houses of the Parliament between 1970 and 2019.

Extending his greetings, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath wrote, "The decision to honor the Bharat Ratna to respected Shri Lal Krishna Advani, founding member of the Bharatiya Janata Party, source of inspiration for countless workers and former Deputy Prime Minister, is in recognition of his decades of service, commitment and unwavering commitment towards the integrity of the nation in public life and political career."

"We thank PM Modi for this decision which has made people of the country and every BJP worker happy. Advani ji played a great role in laying the foundation of the party (BJP) to taking it where it is today," added BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad, as per PTI.

Echoing the statements, Tripura chief minister Dr Manik Saha also added, "This is a matter of pride for the country. To understand the greatness of Advani ji's personality, a comprehensive approach is necessary. He has been a participant in every struggle which has given identity to us nationalists."