<p>Less than two weeks after the temple of Lord Ram was consecrated at his birthplace in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Bharatiya Janata Party co-founder Lal Krishna Advani will be conferred with the country's top civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna.&nbsp;The 96-year-old veteran greeted media and people at his New Delhi residence shortly after the announcement was made.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Advani said&nbsp;he was humbled by the honour.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"With utmost humility and gratitude, I accept the 'Bharat Ratna' that has been conferred on me today. 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...," said Advani.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi | Government of India announces Bharat Ratna for veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani.<br />
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Visuals from his residence as he greets the people and media here. <a href="https://t.co/C0NLemHsZ2">pic.twitter.com/C0NLemHsZ2</a></p>
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<p>The closest confidante of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Advani is credited to have crafted the BJP's rise to national prominence amid fierce electoral dominance of Indian National Congress in the late 1980s.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cast-from-the-past-rath-yatra-to-ram-mandir-between-advani-of-1990-and-modi-of-2024-682579">Cast From The Past | Rath Yatra to Ram Mandir: Between Advani of 1990 and Modi of 2024</a></strong></p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Feb 2) said that he spoke to LK Advani and congratulated him on being conferred this honour.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"One of the most respected statesmen of our times, his contribution to the development of India is monumental," Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 73, said of the BJP veteran who served as India's home minister and later as deputy prime minister&nbsp;in the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's administration.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Narendra Modi (first from right) with LK Advani (third from right) during Gujarat leg of Ram Rath Yatra | File" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-01-22T222951.231.png" /></p>

<p><em>Narendra Modi (first from right) with LK Advani (third from right) during Gujarat leg of Ram Rath Yatra in September 1990 | File</em></p>

<p>"His is a life that started from working at the grassroots to serving the nation as our Deputy Prime Minister," Prime Minister Modi, who as a 40-year-old helped Advani for the Gujarat leg of consequential&nbsp;<em>Rath Yatra,&nbsp;</em>added further. The DCM Toyota mini truck-turned-chariot that&nbsp;Advani turned to in Gujarat's Somnath on September 25, 1990 fell short of its final goal of reaching Ayodhya that year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But two years later, Advani's Rath Yatra is credited to have galvanised the support&nbsp;for the building of Ram Temple&nbsp; in Ayodhya where a&nbsp;16th-century mosque existed until December 6, 1992.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Archaeological evidence later reportedly confirmed that the mosque was built on the ruins of an ancient temple.</p>

<p>On January 22, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Advani's fellow party worker during 1990 <em>Rath Yatra </em>aimed to build Ram Temple in Ayodhya, in fact led the consecration ceremony at the religious place.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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. One of the most respected statesmen of our times, his contribution to the development of India is monumental. His is a… <a href="https://t.co/Ya78qjJbPK">pic.twitter.com/Ya78qjJbPK</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1753660421809066495?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Advani fought tirelessly for India's culture, people: Amit Shah</strong></h2>

<p>Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who succeeded Advani as Lok Sabha Member of Parliament from Gujarat's Gandhinagar constituency in 2019, also reacted to his predecessor senior leader's Bharat Ratna recipience.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Extremely happy with the announcement of awarding 'Bharat Ratna' to our senior leader and former Deputy Prime Minister of the country, respected Shri Lal Krishna Advani," Shah wrote on X.</p>

<p>"Advani ji has been dedicated to serving the country and his countrymen selflessly throughout his life. While holding various constitutional responsibilities like the Deputy Prime Minister of the country, he did unprecedented work for the security, unity and integrity of the country with his strong leadership. Advani ji is known as the politician who set the standards of authenticity in Indian politics. In his long public life, he fought tirelessly for the issues related to the country, culture and people. His immense contribution towards the party and ideology cannot be summed up in words. The decision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji&nbsp;to honor him with 'Bharat Ratna' is also an honor for crores of countrymen," Shah added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both Narendra Modi and Amit Shah galvanised support for Advani in Gandhinagar in the 1990s when the Bharatiya Janata Party was rising to national prominence between the waves of Ram Temple movement and the promulgation of reservation for Other Backward Castes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also&nbsp; thanked Prime Minister Modi for conferring Bharat Ratna to LK Advani.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India: BJP veteran leader LK Advani to get Bharat Ratna</strong></p>

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<p>Taking to X, Singh said that Advani has also played an important role in keeping the unity and integrity of India intact.</p>

<p>"The decision to award Bharat Ratna to the revered Lal Krishna Advani ji, an inspiration to all of us and a senior leader of the country, has brought great joy and happiness. He is a symbol of purity, dedication and determination in politics," he wrote.</p>

<p>Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar also expressed happiness over government's decision to confer Bharat Ratna on LK Advani.</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters, Pawar said that while he and Advani subscribe to different political ideologies, the BJP leader was a distinct parliamentarian.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Less than two weeks after the temple of Lord Ram was consecrated at his birthplace in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Bharatiya Janata Party co-founder Lal Krishna Advani will be conferred with the country's top civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna.

Less than two weeks after the temple of Lord Ram was consecrated at his birthplace in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Bharatiya Janata Party co-founder Lal Krishna Advani will be conferred with the country's top civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna. The 96-year-old veteran greeted media and people at his New Delhi residence shortly after the announcement was made. Advani said he was humbled by the honour. "With utmost humility and gratitude, I accept the 'Bharat Ratna' that has been conferred on me today. 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...," said Advani. #WATCH | Delhi | Government of India announces Bharat Ratna for veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani. Visuals from his residence as he greets the people and media here. pic.twitter.com/C0NLemHsZ2 — ANI (@ANI) February 3, 2024 × The closest confidante of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Advani is credited to have crafted the BJP's rise to national prominence amid fierce electoral dominance of Indian National Congress in the late 1980s. Also read | Cast From The Past | Rath Yatra to Ram Mandir: Between Advani of 1990 and Modi of 2024 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (Feb 2) said that he spoke to LK Advani 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," Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 73, said of the BJP veteran who served as India's home minister and later as deputy prime minister in the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's administration. Narendra Modi (first from right) with LK Advani (third from right) during Gujarat leg of Ram Rath Yatra in September 1990 | File "His is a life that started from working at the grassroots to serving the nation as our Deputy Prime Minister," Prime Minister Modi, who as a 40-year-old helped Advani for the Gujarat leg of consequential Rath Yatra, added further. The DCM Toyota mini truck-turned-chariot that Advani turned to in Gujarat's Somnath on September 25, 1990 fell short of its final goal of reaching Ayodhya that year. But two years later, Advani's Rath Yatra is credited to have galvanised the support for the building of Ram Temple in Ayodhya where a 16th-century mosque existed until December 6, 1992. Archaeological evidence later reportedly confirmed that the mosque was built on the ruins of an ancient temple. On January 22, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Advani's fellow party worker during 1990 Rath Yatra aimed to build Ram Temple in Ayodhya, in fact led the consecration ceremony at the religious place. 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. One of the most respected statesmen of our times, his contribution to the development of India is monumental. His is a… pic.twitter.com/Ya78qjJbPK — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 3, 2024 × Advani fought tirelessly for India's culture, people: Amit Shah Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who succeeded Advani as Lok Sabha Member of Parliament from Gujarat's Gandhinagar constituency in 2019, also reacted to his predecessor senior leader's Bharat Ratna recipience. "Extremely happy with the announcement of awarding 'Bharat Ratna' to our senior leader and former Deputy Prime Minister of the country, respected Shri Lal Krishna Advani," Shah wrote on X. "Advani ji has been dedicated to serving the country and his countrymen selflessly throughout his life. While holding various constitutional responsibilities like the Deputy Prime Minister of the country, he did unprecedented work for the security, unity and integrity of the country with his strong leadership. Advani ji is known as the politician who set the standards of authenticity in Indian politics. In his long public life, he fought tirelessly for the issues related to the country, culture and people. His immense contribution towards the party and ideology cannot be summed up in words. The decision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji to honor him with 'Bharat Ratna' is also an honor for crores of countrymen," Shah added. Both Narendra Modi and Amit Shah galvanised support for Advani in Gandhinagar in the 1990s when the Bharatiya Janata Party was rising to national prominence between the waves of Ram Temple movement and the promulgation of reservation for Other Backward Castes. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also thanked Prime Minister Modi for conferring Bharat Ratna to LK Advani. Also watch | India: BJP veteran leader LK Advani to get Bharat Ratna × Taking to X, Singh said that Advani has also played an important role in keeping the unity and integrity of India intact. "The decision to award Bharat Ratna to the revered Lal Krishna Advani ji, an inspiration to all of us and a senior leader of the country, has brought great joy and happiness. He is a symbol of purity, dedication and determination in politics," he wrote. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar also expressed happiness over government's decision to confer Bharat Ratna on LK Advani. Speaking to reporters, Pawar said that while he and Advani subscribe to different political ideologies, the BJP leader was a distinct parliamentarian. (With inputs from agencies)

'Honour for my principles': Advani reacts as PM Modi announces Bharat Ratna honour

<p><strong>Lal Krishna Advani Bharat Ratna:</strong> Veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Lal Krishna Advani will be conferred Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India. The announcement was made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself. Advani has been a key leading figure in the BJP for decades and has served as home minister of India. He has also helmed several other ministries and was deputy prime minister under then-prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in early 2000s.</p>

<p>Hours after Prime Minister Modi, once a disciple of Advani, made the announcement, the 96-year-old veteran expressed gratitude and said he was humbled by the honour.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Narendra Modi (first from right) with LK Advani (third from right) during Gujarat leg of Ram Rath Yatra | File" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-01-22T222951.231.png" /></p>

<p><em>Narendra Modi (first from right) with LK Advani (third from right) during Gujarat leg of Ram Rath Yatra in September 1990 | File</em></p>

<p>"With utmost humility and gratitude, I accept the 'Bharat Ratna' that has been conferred on me today. 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...," said Advani.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">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. One of the most respected statesmen of our times, his contribution to the development of India is monumental. His is a… <a href="https://t.co/Ya78qjJbPK">pic.twitter.com/Ya78qjJbPK</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1753660421809066495?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>While making the announcement PM Modi said, "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. The conferring of the Bharat Ratna on him is a very emotional moment for me. I will always consider it my privilege that I got countless opportunities to interact with him and learn from him."</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Lal Krishna Advani?</strong></h2>

<p>Lal Krishna Advani was born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi which is now in present-day Pakistan. After partition, his family migrated to India. Advani joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in&nbsp;1941, when he was just 14 years old.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cast-from-the-past-rath-yatra-to-ram-mandir-between-advani-of-1990-and-modi-of-2024-682579">Cast From The Past | Rath Yatra to Ram Mandir: Between Advani of 1990 and Modi of 2024</a></strong></p>

<p>In 1951, just four years after India gained&nbsp;independence, LK Advani joined the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. The 'Jana Sangh' as it is commonly called, was political precursor of the BJP. Bharatiya Jana Sangh was founded by Syama Prasad Mookerjee, who later became an iconic BJP leader.</p>

<p>Advani began consolidating his position in India's national-level politics in 1970 when he became a Rajya Sabha - upper house of the Parliament - member for the first time in 1970. He then&nbsp;became the leader of the house in&nbsp;1977.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | India: Vijay announces new party 'Tamilaga Vetri Kazhgam'</strong></p>

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<p>Advani was a member of the house&nbsp;till 1989, serving four terms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was one of the founding members of the BJP. Advani&nbsp;won a Lok Sabha - lower house of Parliament - seat for the first time in 1989.</p>

<p>Advani has been honoured with India's top civilian award&nbsp;before as well. In 2015, he was conferred Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian honour of the country.</p>


Lal Krishna Advani Bharat Ratna: Veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Lal Krishna Advani will be conferred Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India.

Lal Krishna Advani Bharat Ratna: Veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Lal Krishna Advani will be conferred Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India. The announcement was made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself. Advani has been a key leading figure in the BJP for decades and has served as home minister of India. He has also helmed several other ministries and was deputy prime minister under then-prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in early 2000s. Hours after Prime Minister Modi, once a disciple of Advani, made the announcement, the 96-year-old veteran expressed gratitude and said he was humbled by the honour. Narendra Modi (first from right) with LK Advani (third from right) during Gujarat leg of Ram Rath Yatra in September 1990 | File "With utmost humility and gratitude, I accept the 'Bharat Ratna' that has been conferred on me today. 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...," said Advani. 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. One of the most respected statesmen of our times, his contribution to the development of India is monumental. His is a… pic.twitter.com/Ya78qjJbPK — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 3, 2024 × While making the announcement PM Modi said, "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. The conferring of the Bharat Ratna on him is a very emotional moment for me. I will always consider it my privilege that I got countless opportunities to interact with him and learn from him." Who is Lal Krishna Advani? Lal Krishna Advani was born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi which is now in present-day Pakistan. After partition, his family migrated to India. Advani joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1941, when he was just 14 years old. Also Read | Cast From The Past | Rath Yatra to Ram Mandir: Between Advani of 1990 and Modi of 2024 In 1951, just four years after India gained independence, LK Advani joined the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. The 'Jana Sangh' as it is commonly called, was political precursor of the BJP. Bharatiya Jana Sangh was founded by Syama Prasad Mookerjee, who later became an iconic BJP leader. Advani began consolidating his position in India's national-level politics in 1970 when he became a Rajya Sabha - upper house of the Parliament - member for the first time in 1970. He then became the leader of the house in 1977. Watch | India: Vijay announces new party 'Tamilaga Vetri Kazhgam' × Advani was a member of the house till 1989, serving four terms. He was one of the founding members of the BJP. Advani won a Lok Sabha - lower house of Parliament - seat for the first time in 1989. Advani has been honoured with India's top civilian award before as well. In 2015, he was conferred Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian honour of the country.

'Honour for my principles': LK Advani reacts as PM Modi announces Bharat Ratna honour

<p>On September 25, 1990, a 63-year-old Lal Krishna Advani addressed a sea of people near Gujarat's Somnath Temple, rebuilt just 39 years ago in 1951 right after India's independence from the British Empire.</p>

<p>A Shiva temple symbolising a <em>jyotirlinga</em> or the most sacred devotional representation of God Shiva stood in Somnath as early as 2,000 years ago. The last demolition of the holy site came at the hands of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1665. It lay in ruins until India's independence in 1947, following which its reconstruction began under the orders of the first Deputy Prime Minister of India&nbsp;Vallabhbhai Patel upon receiving approval for reconstruction from Mahatma Gandhi.</p>

<p>"Why is the government unwilling to rebuild a grand Ram Temple at Ayodhya?" Advani asked the crowd at Somnath as he began his 'rath yatra' or chariot procession on September 25, 1990, pointing towards the Somnath precedent which stood close to that site of address.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani near Gujarat's Somnath Temple on Sept 25, 1990" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0c6ebb4d-c042-45fd-882c-e4dd20cad5ee" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-01-22T221359.618.png" /></p>

<p><em>BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani near Gujarat's Somnath Temple on Sept 25, 1990 | via X</em></p>

<p>From Somnath, riding on a DCM Toyota mini-truck designed to look like a chariot, Advani set himself on course to travel on it for 10,000 km from Somnath to Ayodhya. October 30, 1990, was scheduled as the concluding day of the Rath Yatra to "begin building a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya".&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the disputed site in Ayodhya existed a 16th-century mosque which Hindus believed, and archaeological evidence later reportedly confirmed, was built on the ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ram.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On his way, Advani's procession covered 10,000 km across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and later Bihar after a brief halt. Helping him for the Gujarat leg of the yatra was a 40-year-old Narendra Modi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The choice of Somnath as the starting point of the yatra had a powerful symbolic value," Advani later wrote of the Rath Yatra in his 2008 autobiography <em>My Country My Life</em>, adding that the intent was to "seek legitimacy for Mandir movement by drawing a parallel" with the history of Islamic conquests in Indian subcontinent vis-a-vis the destruction of pre-existing places of worship, mostly Hindu and Jain temples.</p>

<h2><strong>How did people respond to Advani's&nbsp;Rath Yatra?</strong></h2>

<p>In the countryside of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, journalists described a lot of womenfolk lining up on either side of the road with a copper plate and with ritual material&nbsp;like lamps, flowers, and coins which were thrown at the DCM Toyota 'Rath.'&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Advani's rath got expensive offerings, like received in temples," writes Vinay Sitapati in his 2020 book <em>Jugalbandi: The BJP Before Modi</em>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"One young man even stabbed his hand and smeared the blood on Advani's forehead as a Tilak. Advani blanched, his discomfort evident," Sitapati added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the rath rolled on across western and central India, "it became increasingly clear that the question of building a Ram Temple touches an emotional chord," NM Ghatate quoted former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a close Advani contemporary, as saying in his book <em>Atal Bihari Vajpayee: Four Decades in Parliament</em>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Advani was arrested in Bihar's Samastipur by the then&nbsp;chief minister Lalu Yadav on October 23, 1990.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The procession to Ayodhya continued without him.</p>

<p>In a public statement, Vajpayee said that Advani was going to Ayodhya to do penance, "not fight Ravana".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But many time (sic) the vanara sena (monkey army) that followed Ram did not know where they were going," Vajpayee said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On October 30, 1990, Uttar Pradesh police opened fire on Karsevaks (Hindu volunteers) in Ayodhya. The mosque at the site believed to be Ram's birthplace was damaged but stood nonetheless.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two years later, at 1:55 pm&nbsp;on December 6, 1992, Advani heard a loud thud. A 200,000-strong mob razed one of the domes of the mosque they believed stood at Ram's birthplace. Advani and others were at Ram Katha Kunj, an elevated platform 200 metres from the mosque.</p>

<p>"Rather than witness the final journey he had commenced from Somnath in September 1990, Advani spent the next few hours on the platform. The journalist Chandan Mitra was also on the platform. He remembers that Advani 'went downstairs and just sat silently through the evening. Once or twice when he did come up, he kept repeating that it is unfortunate'," Sitapati writes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After 27&nbsp;years, India's Supreme Court gave its judgment on the title suit for Ayodhya's site of contention.&nbsp;</p>

<p>'Temple gets site, mosque a plot', said the front page of a leading English newspaper on November 10, 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Within the next three months, as per the court's order, a Temple Trust was constituted by the administration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the same man who was key to galvanisation of support for Advani's Rath Yatra during its Gujarat leg in 1990.&nbsp;<br />
<img alt="Narendra Modi (first from right) with LK Advani (third from right) during Gujarat leg of Ram Rath Yatra | File" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="31cee258-eecf-43b7-8657-567150cfb346" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-01-22T222951.231.png" /></p>

<p><em>Narendra Modi (first from right) with LK Advani (third from right) during Gujarat leg of Ram Rath Yatra in September 1990 | File</em></p>

<p>About a year later in September 2020, Advani and 31 others were acquitted of charges related to December 6, 1992 violence in Ayodhya.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Anti-social elements brought down the structure. The accused leaders tried to stop these people," said the special judge.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In January 2024, the Ram Temple was consecrated in Ayodhya by Advani's 1990 disciple, Narendra Modi, elected India's Prime Minister since 2014.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Ram Mandir Ayodhya: Ram not just belongs to us but everyone, says PM Modi at inauguration</strong></p>

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<p>At 96, as Advani chose to give temple consecration a miss due to "cold weather", Modi announced the arrival of Ram at his birthplace.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi is "the devotee chosen by Lord Ram to consecrate his temple", Advani said on January 15. "I was just a charioteer."</p>


On September 25, 1990, a 63-year-old Lal Krishna Advani addressed a sea of people near Gujarat's Somnath Temple, rebuilt just 39 years ago in 1951 right after India's independence from the British Empire.

On September 25, 1990, a 63-year-old Lal Krishna Advani addressed a sea of people near Gujarat's Somnath Temple, rebuilt just 39 years ago in 1951 right after India's independence from the British Empire. A Shiva temple symbolising a jyotirlinga or the most sacred devotional representation of God Shiva stood in Somnath as early as 2,000 years ago. The last demolition of the holy site came at the hands of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1665. It lay in ruins until India's independence in 1947, following which its reconstruction began under the orders of the first Deputy Prime Minister of India Vallabhbhai Patel upon receiving approval for reconstruction from Mahatma Gandhi. "Why is the government unwilling to rebuild a grand Ram Temple at Ayodhya?" Advani asked the crowd at Somnath as he began his 'rath yatra' or chariot procession on September 25, 1990, pointing towards the Somnath precedent which stood close to that site of address. BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani near Gujarat's Somnath Temple on Sept 25, 1990 | via X From Somnath, riding on a DCM Toyota mini-truck designed to look like a chariot, Advani set himself on course to travel on it for 10,000 km from Somnath to Ayodhya. October 30, 1990, was scheduled as the concluding day of the Rath Yatra to "begin building a grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya". At the disputed site in Ayodhya existed a 16th-century mosque which Hindus believed, and archaeological evidence later reportedly confirmed, was built on the ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ram. On his way, Advani's procession covered 10,000 km across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and later Bihar after a brief halt. Helping him for the Gujarat leg of the yatra was a 40-year-old Narendra Modi. "The choice of Somnath as the starting point of the yatra had a powerful symbolic value," Advani later wrote of the Rath Yatra in his 2008 autobiography My Country My Life, adding that the intent was to "seek legitimacy for Mandir movement by drawing a parallel" with the history of Islamic conquests in Indian subcontinent vis-a-vis the destruction of pre-existing places of worship, mostly Hindu and Jain temples. How did people respond to Advani's Rath Yatra? In the countryside of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, journalists described a lot of womenfolk lining up on either side of the road with a copper plate and with ritual material like lamps, flowers, and coins which were thrown at the DCM Toyota 'Rath.' "Advani's rath got expensive offerings, like received in temples," writes Vinay Sitapati in his 2020 book Jugalbandi: The BJP Before Modi. "One young man even stabbed his hand and smeared the blood on Advani's forehead as a Tilak. Advani blanched, his discomfort evident," Sitapati added. As the rath rolled on across western and central India, "it became increasingly clear that the question of building a Ram Temple touches an emotional chord," NM Ghatate quoted former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a close Advani contemporary, as saying in his book Atal Bihari Vajpayee: Four Decades in Parliament. Advani was arrested in Bihar's Samastipur by the then chief minister Lalu Yadav on October 23, 1990. The procession to Ayodhya continued without him. In a public statement, Vajpayee said that Advani was going to Ayodhya to do penance, "not fight Ravana". "But many time (sic) the vanara sena (monkey army) that followed Ram did not know where they were going," Vajpayee said. On October 30, 1990, Uttar Pradesh police opened fire on Karsevaks (Hindu volunteers) in Ayodhya. The mosque at the site believed to be Ram's birthplace was damaged but stood nonetheless. Two years later, at 1:55 pm on December 6, 1992, Advani heard a loud thud. A 200,000-strong mob razed one of the domes of the mosque they believed stood at Ram's birthplace. Advani and others were at Ram Katha Kunj, an elevated platform 200 metres from the mosque. "Rather than witness the final journey he had commenced from Somnath in September 1990, Advani spent the next few hours on the platform. The journalist Chandan Mitra was also on the platform. He remembers that Advani 'went downstairs and just sat silently through the evening. Once or twice when he did come up, he kept repeating that it is unfortunate'," Sitapati writes. After 27 years, India's Supreme Court gave its judgment on the title suit for Ayodhya's site of contention. 'Temple gets site, mosque a plot', said the front page of a leading English newspaper on November 10, 2019. Within the next three months, as per the court's order, a Temple Trust was constituted by the administration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the same man who was key to galvanisation of support for Advani's Rath Yatra during its Gujarat leg in 1990. Narendra Modi (first from right) with LK Advani (third from right) during Gujarat leg of Ram Rath Yatra in September 1990 | File About a year later in September 2020, Advani and 31 others were acquitted of charges related to December 6, 1992 violence in Ayodhya. "Anti-social elements brought down the structure. The accused leaders tried to stop these people," said the special judge. In January 2024, the Ram Temple was consecrated in Ayodhya by Advani's 1990 disciple, Narendra Modi, elected India's Prime Minister since 2014. Also watch | Ram Mandir Ayodhya: Ram not just belongs to us but everyone, says PM Modi at inauguration × At 96, as Advani chose to give temple consecration a miss due to "cold weather", Modi announced the arrival of Ram at his birthplace. Modi is "the devotee chosen by Lord Ram to consecrate his temple", Advani said on January 15. "I was just a charioteer."

Cast From The Past | Rath Yatra to Ram Mandir: Between Advani of 1990 and Modi of 2024

<p>BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani&nbsp;on Wednesday welcomed the&nbsp;Babri mosque demolition verdict&nbsp;after being acquitted by Special CBI Court, Lucknow.</p>

<p>The court in Lucknow pronounced its judgment in the 28-year-old case and said that the demolition of the mosque was not pre-planned, but a spontaneous act.</p>

<p>“The CBI court has acquitted all 32 accused in the Babri Masjid demolition case. This ends the long pending dispute related with the December 6, 1992 incident,” said lawyer KK Mishra.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/babri-mosque-demolition-verdict-all-accused-acquitted-court-says-demolition-not-pre-planned-331374" hreflang="en">Babri mosque demolition verdict: All accused acquitted by Special CBI Court</a></strong></p>

<p>26 out of total 32 accused in the Babri Masjid demolition case, except LK Advani, MM Joshi, Uma Bharti, Nritya Gopal Das, Kalyan Singh and Satish Pradhan were present at the court for the hearing.</p>

<p>Advani said ''I wholeheartedly welcome the judgement by the Special Court&nbsp;Babri mosque demolition case.&nbsp;The judgement vindicates my personal and BJP's belief and commitment toward the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.''</p>

<p>While BJP member Murli Manohar Joshi called it a ''historic decision by the court''. And added that ''This proves that no conspiracy was hatched for December 6 incident in Ayodhya. Our program and rallies were not part of any conspiracy. We are happy, everyone should now be excited about Ram Mandir's construction.''</p>


BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani on Wednesday welcomed the Babri mosque demolition verdict after being acquitted by Special CBI Court, Lucknow. The court in Lucknow pronounced its judgment in the 28-year-old case and said that the demolition of the mosque was not pre-planned, but a spontaneous act.

BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani on Wednesday welcomed the Babri mosque demolition verdict after being acquitted by Special CBI Court, Lucknow. The court in Lucknow pronounced its judgment in the 28-year-old case and said that the demolition of the mosque was not pre-planned, but a spontaneous act. “The CBI court has acquitted all 32 accused in the Babri Masjid demolition case. This ends the long pending dispute related with the December 6, 1992 incident,” said lawyer KK Mishra. Also read: Babri mosque demolition verdict: All accused acquitted by Special CBI Court 26 out of total 32 accused in the Babri Masjid demolition case, except LK Advani, MM Joshi, Uma Bharti, Nritya Gopal Das, Kalyan Singh and Satish Pradhan were present at the court for the hearing. Advani said ''I wholeheartedly welcome the judgement by the Special Court Babri mosque demolition case. The judgement vindicates my personal and BJP's belief and commitment toward the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.'' While BJP member Murli Manohar Joshi called it a ''historic decision by the court''. And added that ''This proves that no conspiracy was hatched for December 6 incident in Ayodhya. Our program and rallies were not part of any conspiracy. We are happy, everyone should now be excited about Ram Mandir's construction.''

BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani welcomes Babri mosque demolition verdict

Bhartiya Janata Party veteran leader Lal Krishna Advani has welcomed the Supreme Court's historic verdict on the Ayodhya dispute. He said that he stands vindicated and feel blessed with this judgement.

BJP veteran LK Advani welcomes Supreme Court's historic verdict on Ayodhya dispute

<p>Describing Lal Krishna Advani as a 'statesman', Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended his birthday greetings to the BJP stalwart on his 92nd birthday and said that India will always cherish his exceptional contribution towards empowering the people of the country.</p>

<p>In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister lauded Advani for his contributions to BJP party.</p>

<p>"Scholar, statesman and one of the most respected leaders, India will always cherish the exceptional contribution of Shri Lal Krishna Advani Ji towards empowering our citizens. On his birthday, I convey my greetings to respected Advani Ji and pray for his long and healthy life," Modi said.</p>

<p>"Shri LK Advani Ji toiled for decades to give shape and strength to the @BJP4India. If over the years, our party has emerged as a dominant pole of Indian politics, it is because of leaders like Advani Ji and the selfless Karyakartas he groomed for decades," he said in a follow-up tweet.</p>

<p>The Prime Minister said that public service has always been associated with values for Advani and asserted that he has not compromised on the core ideology even once.</p>

<p>"When it came to safeguarding our democracy, he was at the forefront. As a Minister, his administrative skills are universally lauded," Modi said.</p>

<p>Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi also extended his birthday greetings to Advani and prayed for his good health.</p>

<p>"Warm birthday greetings to senior BJP leader and former Dy PM respected Shri Lal Krishna Advani Ji. I pray for your good health," he tweeted.</p>

<p>Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister and senior BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan hailed Advani as a symbol of integrity in politics.</p>

<p>"I extend my birthday greetings to the revered Shri LK Advani Ji, a symbol of integrity in politics, our guide and source of inspiration. May God give you a healthy and long life. May your affection and blessings always be on us," he tweeted.</p>

<p>Born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi, Advani served as the Minister of Home Affairs in the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government from 1998 to 2004.</p>

<p>He also served as the Deputy Prime Minister under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led government from 2002 to 2004.</p>

<p>Advani began his political career as a volunteer of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). In 2015, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan - India's second-highest civilian honour.</p>

<p>The BJP stalwart represented from Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency in 1991 and again from 1998 to 2019, before party chief and current Home Minister Amit Shah contested and won from this seat in this year's national elections.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Describing Lal Krishna Advani as a 'statesman', Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended his birthday greetings to the BJP stalwart on his 92nd birthday and said that India will always cherish his exceptional contribution towards empowering the people of the country.

Describing Lal Krishna Advani as a 'statesman', Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended his birthday greetings to the BJP stalwart on his 92nd birthday and said that India will always cherish his exceptional contribution towards empowering the people of the country. In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister lauded Advani for his contributions to BJP party. "Scholar, statesman and one of the most respected leaders, India will always cherish the exceptional contribution of Shri Lal Krishna Advani Ji towards empowering our citizens. On his birthday, I convey my greetings to respected Advani Ji and pray for his long and healthy life," Modi said. "Shri LK Advani Ji toiled for decades to give shape and strength to the @BJP4India. If over the years, our party has emerged as a dominant pole of Indian politics, it is because of leaders like Advani Ji and the selfless Karyakartas he groomed for decades," he said in a follow-up tweet. The Prime Minister said that public service has always been associated with values for Advani and asserted that he has not compromised on the core ideology even once. "When it came to safeguarding our democracy, he was at the forefront. As a Minister, his administrative skills are universally lauded," Modi said. Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi also extended his birthday greetings to Advani and prayed for his good health. "Warm birthday greetings to senior BJP leader and former Dy PM respected Shri Lal Krishna Advani Ji. I pray for your good health," he tweeted. Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister and senior BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan hailed Advani as a symbol of integrity in politics. "I extend my birthday greetings to the revered Shri LK Advani Ji, a symbol of integrity in politics, our guide and source of inspiration. May God give you a healthy and long life. May your affection and blessings always be on us," he tweeted. Born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi, Advani served as the Minister of Home Affairs in the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government from 1998 to 2004. He also served as the Deputy Prime Minister under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led government from 2002 to 2004. Advani began his political career as a volunteer of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). In 2015, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan - India's second-highest civilian honour. The BJP stalwart represented from Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency in 1991 and again from 1998 to 2019, before party chief and current Home Minister Amit Shah contested and won from this seat in this year's national elections.

India will cherish your exceptional contribution: PM wishes Advani on 92nd birthday

<p>Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday administered a cleanliness oath to people at an event organised in Delhi Cantonment on the occasion of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mahatma-gandhi-the-champion-of-non-violent-activism-253152">150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi</a>.</p>

<p>"I will neither pollute the environment nor let anyone do that. I will spread the message of Swachh Bharat Mission to every corner of every village and street. I will administer this oath to 100 people. The step taken by me towards cleanliness will keep my surroundings clean that would help to maintain India clean," read the oath administered to people by Singh.</p>

<p>Earlier in the morning, the Defence Minister paid tributes to the late leader. "We bow to him (Gandhi) for his tremendous contribution in shaping the destiny of this country. My heartfelt tributes to Bapu on his jayanti," he tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">महात्मा गांधी की १५०वीं जयंती की सभी देश वासियों को हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ।<br />
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Greetings to everyone on the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. We bow to him for his tremendous contribution in shaping the destiny of this country.<br />
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My heartfelt tributes to Bapu on his jayanti.</p>
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1179228560395046917?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tributes to the Father of the Nation.</p>

<p>Many other dignitaries including Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and senior BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani also reached Rajghat to pay respects to Gandhi.</p>

<p>Both Congress and BJP are organising a number of events throughout the country to mark Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary.</p>

<p>The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has extended its Gandhi Sankalp Yatra by a period of three months.</p>

<p>As per the circular sent to the leaders, the Yatra will now be a 120-day exercise and will culminate on January 31, 2020. Earlier, it was scheduled to be held between October 2 and October 31.</p>

<p>Under this, the BJP is planning to propagate Gandhi's ideals and principles of non-violence, Swaraj and simplicity to mark his 150th birth anniversary.</p>

<p>Posters, banners and kits for the programs to be held during the yatra will be directly sent to the state units from the party headquarters.</p>

<p>PM Modi is scheduled to kick-off the program from Gujarat.&nbsp;</p>


Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday administered a cleanliness oath to people at an event organised in Delhi Cantonment on the occasion of 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday administered a cleanliness oath to people at an event organised in Delhi Cantonment on the occasion of 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. "I will neither pollute the environment nor let anyone do that. I will spread the message of Swachh Bharat Mission to every corner of every village and street. I will administer this oath to 100 people. The step taken by me towards cleanliness will keep my surroundings clean that would help to maintain India clean," read the oath administered to people by Singh. Earlier in the morning, the Defence Minister paid tributes to the late leader. "We bow to him (Gandhi) for his tremendous contribution in shaping the destiny of this country. My heartfelt tributes to Bapu on his jayanti," he tweeted. महात्मा गांधी की १५०वीं जयंती की सभी देश वासियों को हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ। Greetings to everyone on the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. We bow to him for his tremendous contribution in shaping the destiny of this country. My heartfelt tributes to Bapu on his jayanti. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) October 2, 2019 × President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tributes to the Father of the Nation. Many other dignitaries including Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and senior BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani also reached Rajghat to pay respects to Gandhi. Both Congress and BJP are organising a number of events throughout the country to mark Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has extended its Gandhi Sankalp Yatra by a period of three months. As per the circular sent to the leaders, the Yatra will now be a 120-day exercise and will culminate on January 31, 2020. Earlier, it was scheduled to be held between October 2 and October 31. Under this, the BJP is planning to propagate Gandhi's ideals and principles of non-violence, Swaraj and simplicity to mark his 150th birth anniversary. Posters, banners and kits for the programs to be held during the yatra will be directly sent to the state units from the party headquarters. PM Modi is scheduled to kick-off the program from Gujarat.

Gandhi Jayanti: Rajnath administers cleanliness oath to people at Delhi Cantonment

<p>Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday said Ram Nath Kovind was made President of the country to balance caste equations ahead of the assembly election in Gujarat in 2017.</p>

<p>"People even say that Ram Nath Kovind was made president considering Gujarat assembly elections in 2017. I was reading an article. He (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) was afraid that he was not going to form the government in Gujarat. BJP chief Amit Shah might have given him suggestion after which it was decided to make Ram Nath Kovind the president," Gehlot told reporters here at a press conference.</p>

<p>Kovind was elected President in July 2017 and Gujarat assembly elections were held in December in the year.</p>

<p>"(Lal Krishna) Advani was left out though he had to become the president. People of the country had expectation that he (Advani) will get the honour which he deserved but was deprived. Though it is BJP's internal issue, I am discussing it because I read an article," the Rajasthan chief minister added.</p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;the BJP on Wednesday demanded an apology from Gehlot, for his comments against President Ram Nath Kovind, claiming that he was elected to the highest constitutional post due to his caste.</p>

<p>The party also urged the Election Commission (EC) to take strict action against the Congress leader.</p>

<p>"We demand an apology from the Congress leader Ashok Gehlot for his comment that Kovind was made President because of his caste," BJP spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao said at the party headquarters.&nbsp;</p>


Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday said Ram Nath Kovind was made President of the country to balance caste equations ahead of the assembly election in Gujarat in 2017.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday said Ram Nath Kovind was made President of the country to balance caste equations ahead of the assembly election in Gujarat in 2017. "People even say that Ram Nath Kovind was made president considering Gujarat assembly elections in 2017. I was reading an article. He (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) was afraid that he was not going to form the government in Gujarat. BJP chief Amit Shah might have given him suggestion after which it was decided to make Ram Nath Kovind the president," Gehlot told reporters here at a press conference. Kovind was elected President in July 2017 and Gujarat assembly elections were held in December in the year. "(Lal Krishna) Advani was left out though he had to become the president. People of the country had expectation that he (Advani) will get the honour which he deserved but was deprived. Though it is BJP's internal issue, I am discussing it because I read an article," the Rajasthan chief minister added. Meanwhile, the BJP on Wednesday demanded an apology from Gehlot, for his comments against President Ram Nath Kovind, claiming that he was elected to the highest constitutional post due to his caste. The party also urged the Election Commission (EC) to take strict action against the Congress leader. "We demand an apology from the Congress leader Ashok Gehlot for his comment that Kovind was made President because of his caste," BJP spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao said at the party headquarters.

Ram Nath Kovind made President because of his caste: Ashok Gehlot

<p>Writing in a blog titled "Nation first, party next, self last" ahead of BJP’s Foundation Day on April 6, Advani said that BJP never called its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/have-never-regarded-those-who-disagree-with-us-politically-as-anti-national-lk-advani-207939">political opponents ‘anti-national’</a> and that the party has been committed to ‘freedom of choice of every citizen’.</p>

<p><strong>Here is the full text of LK Advani's blog:</strong></p>

<p>On April 6th, the BJP will celebrate its Foundation Day. This is an important occasion for all of us in the BJP to look back, look ahead and look within. As one of the Founders of the BJP, I deem it to be my duty to share my reflections with the people of India, and more specifically with the millions of workers of my Party, both of whom have indebted me with their affection and respect.</p>

<p>Before I share my thoughts, I take this opportunity to convey my most sincere gratitude to the people of Gandhinagar, who have elected me to the Lok Sabha six times since 1991. Their love and support have always overwhelmed me.</p>

<p>Serving the Motherland has been my passion and my mission ever since I joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at the age of 14. My political life has been inseparably associated with my Party for nearly seven decades - first with the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, and later with the Bharatiya Janata Party and I have been a founding member of both. It has been my rare privilege to work closely with stalwarts like Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and many other great, inspiring and selfless leaders.</p>

<p>The guiding principle of my life has been 'Nation First, Party Next, Self Last.'And in all situations, I have tried to adhere to this principle and will continue to do so.<br />
The essence of Indian democracy is respect for diversity and freedom of expression. Right from its inception, the BJP has never regarded those who disagree with us politically as our "enemies", but only as our adversaries. Similarly, in our conception of Indian nationalism, we have never regarded those who disagree with us politically as "anti-national".</p>

<p>The party has been committed to freedom of choice of every citizen at personal as well as political level.</p>

<p>Defence of democracy and democratic traditions, both within the Party and in the larger national setting, has been the proud hallmark of the BJP. Therefore BJP has always been in the forefront of demanding protection of independence, integrity, fairness and robustness of all our democratic institutions, including the media. Electoral reforms, with a special focus on transparency in political and electoral funding, which is so essential for a corruption-free polity, has been another priority for our Party.</p>

<p>In short, the triad of Satya (truth), Rashtra Nishtha (dedication to the Nation) and Loktantra(democracy, both within and outside the Party) guided the struggle-filled evolution of my Party. The sum total of all these values constitutes Sanskritik Rashtravad (Cultural Nationalism) and Su-Raj (good governance), to which my Party has always remained wedded. The heroic struggle against the Emergency rule was precisely to uphold the above values.</p>

<p>It is my sincere desire that all of us should collectively strive to strengthen the democratic edifice of India. True, elections are a festival of democracy. But they are also an occasion for honest introspection by all the stakeholders in Indian democracy - political parties, mass media, authorities conducting the election process and, above all, the electorate.</p>

<p>My best wishes to everyone.</p>


Writing in a blog titled "Nation first, party next, self last" ahead of BJP’s Foundation Day on April 6, Advani said that BJP never called its political opponents ‘anti-national’ and that the party has been committed to ‘freedom of choice of every citizen’.

Writing in a blog titled "Nation first, party next, self last" ahead of BJP’s Foundation Day on April 6, Advani said that BJP never called its political opponents ‘anti-national’ and that the party has been committed to ‘freedom of choice of every citizen’. Here is the full text of LK Advani's blog: On April 6th, the BJP will celebrate its Foundation Day. This is an important occasion for all of us in the BJP to look back, look ahead and look within. As one of the Founders of the BJP, I deem it to be my duty to share my reflections with the people of India, and more specifically with the millions of workers of my Party, both of whom have indebted me with their affection and respect. Before I share my thoughts, I take this opportunity to convey my most sincere gratitude to the people of Gandhinagar, who have elected me to the Lok Sabha six times since 1991. Their love and support have always overwhelmed me. Serving the Motherland has been my passion and my mission ever since I joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at the age of 14. My political life has been inseparably associated with my Party for nearly seven decades - first with the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, and later with the Bharatiya Janata Party and I have been a founding member of both. It has been my rare privilege to work closely with stalwarts like Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and many other great, inspiring and selfless leaders. The guiding principle of my life has been 'Nation First, Party Next, Self Last.'And in all situations, I have tried to adhere to this principle and will continue to do so. The essence of Indian democracy is respect for diversity and freedom of expression. Right from its inception, the BJP has never regarded those who disagree with us politically as our "enemies", but only as our adversaries. Similarly, in our conception of Indian nationalism, we have never regarded those who disagree with us politically as "anti-national". The party has been committed to freedom of choice of every citizen at personal as well as political level. Defence of democracy and democratic traditions, both within the Party and in the larger national setting, has been the proud hallmark of the BJP. Therefore BJP has always been in the forefront of demanding protection of independence, integrity, fairness and robustness of all our democratic institutions, including the media. Electoral reforms, with a special focus on transparency in political and electoral funding, which is so essential for a corruption-free polity, has been another priority for our Party. In short, the triad of Satya (truth), Rashtra Nishtha (dedication to the Nation) and Loktantra(democracy, both within and outside the Party) guided the struggle-filled evolution of my Party. The sum total of all these values constitutes Sanskritik Rashtravad (Cultural Nationalism) and Su-Raj (good governance), to which my Party has always remained wedded. The heroic struggle against the Emergency rule was precisely to uphold the above values. It is my sincere desire that all of us should collectively strive to strengthen the democratic edifice of India. True, elections are a festival of democracy. But they are also an occasion for honest introspection by all the stakeholders in Indian democracy - political parties, mass media, authorities conducting the election process and, above all, the electorate. My best wishes to everyone.

Read the full text of veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani's blog

<p>As President Pranab Mukherjee&#39;s term is nearing its completion, one question that everybody is asking - who will make it to the Rashtrapati Bhavan?</p>

<p>WION takes a look at some of the names that could emerge as candidates in the Presidential elections slated for next month.</p>

<p><strong>Gopalkrishna Gandhi</strong></p>

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<p>The former diplomat and Governor of West Bengal could become the consensus candidate for a united opposition. (Image source: Wikipedia) (Others)</p>
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<p>Gopalkrishna Gandhi&#39;s name came up&nbsp;after CPI (M) general secretary, Sitaram Yechury, confirmed that he had spoken to him. Gopalkrishna Gandhi who is the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi has been a diplomat and served as the Governor of West Bengal. He is someone who could provide a strong pivot for an opposition unity. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Meira Kumar</strong></p>

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<p>The former Speaker of the Lok Sabha is one of the many names that are doing the rounds as opposition&#39;s candidate for the presidential elections. (Image source Wikimedia Commons) (Others)</p>
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<p>The name of the former Speaker of the Lok Sabha is also doing the rounds as a possible opposition candidate. Meira Kumar is the daughter of Congress stalwart Jagjivan Ram. The opposition could make her a consensus candidate if Draupadi Murmu, who is the Jharkhand Governor and whose name is also doing the rounds as the ruling NDA&#39;s candidate, emerges as front-runner in the Presidential elections.</p>

<p><strong>Sharad Yadav</strong></p>

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<p>Socialist leader and former president of the JD(U) Sharad Yadav&#39;s name is also in contention for the top job. (Image source: Wikipedia) (Others)</p>
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<p>The socialist leader and former president of the Janta Dal (United) has emerged as one of the leaders the opposition could zero in as a consensus candidate. He is someone who comes with long experience as a parliamentarian. He is someone who has been vocal in his criticism of the BJP government at the Centre. But lack of support from his own party could hamper his chances as Nitish Kumar had proposed the name of the incumbent, Pranab Mukherjee, as opposition&#39;s choice for the President.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Draupadi Murmu</strong></p>

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<p>The Jharkhand Governor comes from a tribal community in Odisha and is seen as a strong contender for the President&#39;s position. (Zee News Network)</p>
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<p>The Jharkhand governor&nbsp;has emerged as a strong candidate in the upcoming presidential election. She comes from the Mayurbhanj district in Odisha. She belongs to a tribal community. With the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) keen on winning the Odisha assembly elections, she is being seen as a front-runner at the moment. Moreover, she is someone who would be difficult to oppose for the opposition. She has also&nbsp;served as a legislator in the Odisha Assembly&nbsp;twice.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Lal Krishna Advani</strong></p>

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<p>LK Advani&#39;s name is doing the rounds as the ruling NDA&#39;s presidential candidate. (Image source: Wikimedia) (Others)</p>
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<p>The BJP stalwart and a member of BJP&#39;s &#39;Margdarshak&#39;&nbsp;committee could figure as the NDA candidate for the presidential elections. But the Supreme Court&#39;s directive to the lower court to wrap up the proceedings against Advani and others in the Babri Masjid demolition in two years is hanging like a sword over his candidature. Moreover, the fact that he has been sidelined within the party as he and other senior BJP leaders like Murli Manohar Joshi have been accommodated in the &#39;Margdarshak&#39;&nbsp;committee, which was constituted to provide guidance to the party, effectively puts an end to his candidature.&nbsp;<br />
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As the date for Presidential elections comes closer, opposition parties are hunting for a candidate that could give a tough fight to the ruling party's candidate

As President Pranab Mukherjee's term is nearing its completion, one question that everybody is asking - who will make it to the Rashtrapati Bhavan? WION takes a look at some of the names that could emerge as candidates in the Presidential elections slated for next month. Gopalkrishna Gandhi The former diplomat and Governor of West Bengal could become the consensus candidate for a united opposition. (Image source: Wikipedia) (Others) × Gopalkrishna Gandhi's name came up after CPI (M) general secretary, Sitaram Yechury, confirmed that he had spoken to him. Gopalkrishna Gandhi who is the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi has been a diplomat and served as the Governor of West Bengal. He is someone who could provide a strong pivot for an opposition unity. Meira Kumar The former Speaker of the Lok Sabha is one of the many names that are doing the rounds as opposition's candidate for the presidential elections. (Image source Wikimedia Commons) (Others) × The name of the former Speaker of the Lok Sabha is also doing the rounds as a possible opposition candidate. Meira Kumar is the daughter of Congress stalwart Jagjivan Ram. The opposition could make her a consensus candidate if Draupadi Murmu, who is the Jharkhand Governor and whose name is also doing the rounds as the ruling NDA's candidate, emerges as front-runner in the Presidential elections. Sharad Yadav Socialist leader and former president of the JD(U) Sharad Yadav's name is also in contention for the top job. (Image source: Wikipedia) (Others) × The socialist leader and former president of the Janta Dal (United) has emerged as one of the leaders the opposition could zero in as a consensus candidate. He is someone who comes with long experience as a parliamentarian. He is someone who has been vocal in his criticism of the BJP government at the Centre. But lack of support from his own party could hamper his chances as Nitish Kumar had proposed the name of the incumbent, Pranab Mukherjee, as opposition's choice for the President. Draupadi Murmu The Jharkhand Governor comes from a tribal community in Odisha and is seen as a strong contender for the President's position. (Zee News Network) × The Jharkhand governor has emerged as a strong candidate in the upcoming presidential election. She comes from the Mayurbhanj district in Odisha. She belongs to a tribal community. With the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) keen on winning the Odisha assembly elections, she is being seen as a front-runner at the moment. Moreover, she is someone who would be difficult to oppose for the opposition. She has also served as a legislator in the Odisha Assembly twice. Lal Krishna Advani LK Advani's name is doing the rounds as the ruling NDA's presidential candidate. (Image source: Wikimedia) (Others) × The BJP stalwart and a member of BJP's 'Margdarshak' committee could figure as the NDA candidate for the presidential elections. But the Supreme Court's directive to the lower court to wrap up the proceedings against Advani and others in the Babri Masjid demolition in two years is hanging like a sword over his candidature. Moreover, the fact that he has been sidelined within the party as he and other senior BJP leaders like Murli Manohar Joshi have been accommodated in the 'Margdarshak' committee, which was constituted to provide guidance to the party, effectively puts an end to his candidature.

Who will be India's next President? Here's a look at the contenders