New Delhi: Veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani will be conferred with Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India, announced Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday morning.
Describing the announcement as an “emotional moment”, PM Modi said LK Advani is one the most respected statesmen of India, and his contribution to the India’s development is monumental.
“I am very happy to share that Shri LK Advani Ji will be conferred the Bharat Ratna. I also spoke to him and congratulated him on being conferred this honour,” PM Modi said on X.
The announcement to confer Bharat Ratna to L K Advani came hours before PM Modi undertaking his two-day hurricane official visit to Odisha and Assam.
A close associate of former prime Minister late Atal Behari Vajpayee, Advani served as the Deputy Prime Minister, besides heading several ministries. He has been a member of both Houses of the Parliament between 1970 and 2019.
“His is a life that started from working at the grassroots to serving the nation as our Deputy Prime Minister. He distinguished himself as our Home Minister and I&B Minister as well. His Parliamentary interventions have always been exemplary, full of rich insights,” said PM Modi.
Modi praised L K Advani for setting “an exemplary standard” in political ethics.
“Advani Ji’s decades-long service in public life has been marked by an unwavering commitment to transparency and integrity, setting an exemplary standard in political ethics. He has made unparalleled efforts towards furthering national unity and cultural resurgence,” PM Modi said.