"Nurtured Generations": PM Modi Pens Powerful Tribute to LK Advani on 100th Birthday
Prime Minister Narendra Modi pens a detailed tribute to veteran BJP leader LK Advani, recalling the Rath Yatra, the Emergency, and his political legacy.
As veteran BJP leader LK Advani reaches the historic milestone of 100 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shared a deeply personal and heartfelt tribute, reflecting on the "everlasting contribution" Advani has made to the fabric of modern India. In a detailed article shared on X, the Prime Minister traced Advani's journey from the trauma of Partition to becoming one of the most influential architects of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
From the Pain of Partition to Political Power
PM Modi recalled that as a youth in 1947, LK Advani experienced the profound grief of leaving his home in Sindh during Partition. However, the Prime Minister noted that Advani rebuilt his life "without bitterness," a quality that later defined his disciplined approach to strengthening the Jana Sangh and subsequently building the BJP.
The Prime Minister highlighted Advani's strategic leadership as BJP President, noting a seismic shift in Indian politics. Under his guidance, the Congress party's dominance waned—falling from 400 seats to below 200 in 1989—while the BJP surged to become the single largest party for the first time in 1996. PM Modi credited Advani with nurturing generations of Karyakartas and establishing a foundation rooted in the principle of "Nation First."
An Unlikely and Iconic Partnership
One of the most poignant parts of the tribute focused on the relationship between LK Advani and the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee. PM Modi observed that it is rare for two towering political figures to work together for decades without becoming rivals.
"Advani Ji and Atal Ji set a remarkable example. Together, they changed the course of Indian politics," the Prime Minister wrote.
Starting as an RSS Pracharak in Rajasthan before moving to Delhi, Advani's rise was steady. He served as the Chairman of the Delhi Metropolitan Council in 1967 and began his parliamentary journey in 1970. PM Modi praised Advani's intellectual sharpness and his ability to expose "pseudo-secularism" within the Indian polity.
The Fight for Democracy and the Emergency
PM Modi described the Emergency as a "watershed" moment in Advani's life. He recalled Advani's role at the forefront of the battle to save Indian democracy, an experience that was later immortalized in his book, ‘A Prisoner's Scrap-Book.’ Specifically, the Prime Minister pointed to the section ‘A Tale of Two Emergencies,’ which drew striking parallels between the events in India in 1975 and Nazi Germany in 1933.
A Personal Bond and the Gandhinagar Connection
The Prime Minister shared a personal anecdote from the 1991 Lok Sabha elections, when Advani contested from two seats, including Gandhinagar. PM Modi described this as a "homecoming" for Advani, given his father's settlement in Kutch. The PM revealed that he personally helped prepare Advani's nomination papers and assisted in the campaign, adding that as a voter in Gandhinagar, he voted for Advani on numerous occasions.
The Administrator and the Rath Yatra
Beyond his role as a fiery Opposition leader, PM Modi lauded Advani's efficiency as an administrator. Serving as Deputy Prime Minister and one of India's longest-tenured Home Ministers, Advani is credited with strengthening the national security apparatus and implementing tough anti-terror laws.
Finally, PM Modi touched upon the Somnath to Ayodhya Rath Yatra, calling it an "iconic moment" that shifted the direction of Indian society. The Prime Minister expressed his privilege in being involved in the Yatra from its ideation to its execution, recalling the special experience of being present at Somnath when the journey began.