Bharat Ratna for LK Advani: Family turns emotional; politicians across party lines welcome decision

Lal Krishna Advani served as the deputy PM in the government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee between 1998 and 2004

The announcement of Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award, for Lal Krishna Advani has triggered a wave of heartfelt responses from family members, political figures, and leaders across the nation. They reflected on the BJP stalwart's contributions to Indian politics and society.

Jayant Advani expresses delight

In response to the announcement of Bharat Ratna being conferred upon veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani, his son, Jayant Advani, expressed immense joy, calling it a moment of great delight for the family and the entire nation. He said, "This a matter of great delight for the family and country - for everyone. Today, the temple is before us and this became possible in his lifetime. So, we are very happy."

Pratibha Advani shares emotional response

Pratibha Advani, LK Advani's daughter, shared an emotional response, stating, "He is very overwhelmed. He is a man of few words. But he had tears in his eyes. He has this joy and satisfaction that he dedicated his entire life in service of the nation. So, we are very happy."

Political figures and colleagues extend congratulations

Political figures across party lines extended their congratulations. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge welcomed the decision, while BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad acknowledged Advani's pivotal role in the growth of the BJP.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the timely decision to confer Bharat Ratna upon Lal Krishna Advani. Goyal highlighted Advani's decades of service to the nation.

"Our dear Lal Krishna Advani Ji has been conferred with the Bharat Ratna. I would like to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this very, very timely and noble decision to recognize the services and work done by 'Dada' as we all fondly call him. Somebody who has served the party and the nation for his entire life, who has dedicated himself to the people of India for over 70 years of public service. We are indeed very proud and delighted that Lal Krishna Advani Ji will be conferred with the Bharat Ratna," Piyush Goyal said.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, while reacting to the Bharat Ratna announcement, said, "We welcome it."

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari considered the award a proud moment, acknowledging Advani's lifelong dedication to the country. Gadkari said, "Awarding Bharat Ratna to our source of inspiration Lal Krishna Advani is a proud moment for us and the entire country. He dedicated his entire life to the country and society. Atal Bihari Vajpayee and he played an important role in the expansion of the BJP."

BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad praised Advani's contributions to the party, especially through the Rath Yatra, and thanked the PM. Prasad said, "What did LK Advani not do to take the party forward from the days of Jana Sangh - both Atal Bihari Vajpayee and him?...Through Rath Yatra he ignited the 'alakh' of cultural nationalism - look where the party has reached today. Lord Ram's temple has been built...The parameters of honesty he created is huge. I thank the PM for giving this gift to the country and party's workers. We are all very happy. In a way, this is also an honour of the Bharat Ratna."

Former Union Minister and party leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi expressed happiness, recognizing Advani's role in cultural nationalism. Naqvi said, "We are all very happy. Braving all difficulties he hoisted the flag of cultural nationalism in the country. He connected the country to nationalism...His personality has been a lesson and message for the entire country - especially for those who are still the facilitators of feudalism politics."

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav suggested that the Bharat Ratna might be a political move to secure votes. Akhilesh Yadav said, "This honour (Bharat Ratna) is being given by them to save their votes."

Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit greeted Advani on the honor, noting the delayed recognition. Dikshit said, "Greetings to him. BJP and PM Modi thought of LK Advani very late. He has been a tall leader of their party. The position that the BJP is in today - its foundation was laid by LK Advani...The way in which the BJP behaved with him was not good but now that he is being awarded the Bharat Ratna, best wishes to him."

State CMs share their reactions

State Chief Ministers, including Yogi Adityanath and Himanta Biswa Sarma, lauded the decision, with Adityanath stating it honors Advani's decades of service, commitment to integrity, and high moral standards. Himanta Biswa Sarma described Advani as an inspiration to millions.

Yogi Adityanath praised the decision, honoring Advani's decades of service and commitment to the nation. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath tweeted, "The decision to award Bharat Ratna to Lal Krishna Advani is a move to honour the decades of his service to the nation, commitment for the integrity of the country and setting high standards of morality in political life."

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed joy, celebrating Advani as a guide and veteran leader of the BJP. Dhami tweeted, "This is a very joyous moment for us that our guide and BJP's veteran leader Lal Krishna Advani will be conferred with the Bharat Ratna."

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma viewed the Bharat Ratna as a fitting tribute to Advani's monumental contribution to nation-building. Assam CM tweeted, "Conferring the Bharat Ratna on Adarniya Lal Krishna Advani is fitting tribute towards his gigantic contribution in nation building. He is an inspiration to millions of Indians. His rise from humble origins is a shining example of conviction and courage in politics, and adherence to strong ideals and values."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on the microblogging site X on February 3 that veteran BJP leader LK Advani will receive the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in the country. He acknowledged Advani's significant contributions, emphasizing his journey from grassroots to serving as Deputy Prime Minister.