"Endured Agony of Partition Yet Remained Steadfast": Nitin Nabin Honors LK Advani’s Legacy
BJP President Nitin Nabin recalls LK Advani's pivotal role in the Ram Mandir movement and his resilience through Partition as he enters his 100th year.
As veteran leader LK Advani enters his 100th year, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is reflecting on a lifetime of resilience, political strategy, and national service. BJP National President Nitin Nabin marked the occasion by performing a havan at the party's central headquarters in New Delhi, paying a glowing tribute to the man whose vision helped shape the modern political landscape of India.
The Architect of the Ram Mandir Movement
A central theme of Nitin Nabin's tribute was the historic Ram Rath Yatra. Nabin emphasized that the magnificent Shri Ram Temple now standing in Ayodhya is the ultimate culmination of the journey that Advani set in motion decades ago. Recalling the intensity of that era, Nabin noted that even as a young man, he could feel the entire nation gripped by the movement.
He specifically recalled the challenges faced in Bihar, where the procession was halted at Samastipur in an attempt to stop the momentum. However, Nabin highlighted that the Karsevaks remained undeterred, carrying Advani’s mission forward with full conviction. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for eventually leading that continuous movement to its final destination in Ayodhya.
Resilience Born from Partition
Beyond the political victories, Nabin spoke of Advani's personal strength, describing him as a leader who endured the profound agony of Partition but never let bitterness cloud his resolve. According to Nabin, this experience forged a steadfast commitment to the core ideal of "Nation First."
This sentiment was echoed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who penned a heartfelt article on Advani's everlasting contributions. The Prime Minister recalled how Advani, as a youngster in 1947, had to leave behind his world in Sindh. Modi noted that the ability to rebuild his life without bitterness defined Advani's subsequent work in strengthening the Jana Sangh and building the BJP.
From Two MPs to a Political Powerhouse
Nitin Nabin reflected on the humble and often desperate beginnings of the BJP. He recalled a time when the party was reduced to just two Members of Parliament, and many observers had dismissed its future. In that atmosphere of despair, it was the unyielding determination of LK Advani and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee that provided a ray of hope.
Nabin asserted that the shared resolve of these two stalwarts is what allowed the BJP to expand from a struggling entity into the formidable political force it is today.
A Legacy of Leadership and Growth
The Prime Minister's tribute further detailed Advani's strategic impact during his tenures as BJP President. Under his leadership, the party saw significant growth, notably in 1989 when the Congress party's numbers dropped sharply, and in 1996, when the BJP became the single largest party for the first time.
Advani's career is marked by several historic milestones:
- Early Beginnings: Born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi (now Pakistan), he joined the RSS as a Swayamsevak in 1942.
- Party Leadership: He is the longest-serving president in the BJP's history, serving three separate terms (1986–1990, 1993–1998, and 2004–2005).
- Government Roles: He served as India's Home Minister from 1999 to 2004 and as Deputy Prime Minister from 2002 to 2004 under Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
- Highest Honor: In March of this year, President Droup foci Murmu conferred upon him the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.
"He is a leader who endured the agony of Partition yet remained steadfast in his resolve, consistently championing the core ideal of 'Nation First'," stated Nitin Nabin.