LESS than two weeks after the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced the conferring of the country’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, on BJP stalwart Lal Krishna Advani.
Now 96, Advani was central to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement as his Somnath to Ayodhya rath yatra in 1990 amplified the temple pitch and enhanced the BJP’s electoral appeal. He later rose to become the deputy prime minister in the NDA government headed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Announcing the government’s decision, Modi said the honour to the stalwart is in recognition of his invaluable contribution in the service of the nation.
Accepting the gesture, an apparently emotional Advani described it as an honour to the ideals and principles with which he worked throughout his life for nation.
This story is from the February 04, 2024 edition of The Morning Standard.
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This story is from the February 04, 2024 edition of The Morning Standard.
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