The announcement of the Bharat Ratna for veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Lal Krishna Advani on February 3, 2024, drew emotional reactions from his family and responses from political leaders across party lines, with several welcoming the decision while some opposition leaders raised questions over the honour.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Advani, one of the BJP’s founding-era leaders and a former Deputy Prime Minister, would receive the country’s highest civilian award in recognition of his decades of public service. The announcement prompted tributes to his political journey and his role in the growth of the BJP.
Advani’s son, Jayant Advani, expressed happiness over the announcement and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for recognising his father’s contribution to public life.
“My family and I are extremely delighted with this new development,” Jayant said, adding that it was wonderful to see his father’s efforts recognised at this stage of his life.
Advani’s daughter, Pratibha Advani, also spoke about the family’s reaction, recalling that her father was overwhelmed by the news and had tears in his eyes.
She said the family was extremely happy and remembered her mother, Kamla Advani, whose support had been important throughout her father’s personal and political life. Pratibha was seen congratulating her father at their New Delhi residence after the announcement.
Advani, in his response, said he accepted the honour with humility and gratitude. He described it as recognition not only of him personally but also of the ideals and principles he had sought to serve throughout his life.
He also thanked BJP workers, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) volunteers, and others who had accompanied him during his public journey. He remembered former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and BJP ideologue Deendayal Upadhyaya, with whom he had worked closely.
How Political Leaders Reacted
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Advani as one of the most respected statesmen of his time and highlighted his journey from grassroots politics to serving as Deputy Prime Minister and Union Home Minister. Modi also praised his contribution to parliamentary proceedings and public life.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh welcomed the decision, describing Advani as an inspiration and highlighting his dedication to politics and public service. Union Minister Anurag Thakur also congratulated the veteran leader, calling the honour recognition of a life devoted to the nation.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar congratulated Advani and recalled having worked with him in the Union Cabinet during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. Kumar said he had learnt from the veteran leader during that period.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge welcomed the government's decision to confer the award. His response reflected support for the announcement despite the broader political differences between the BJP and the Congress.
The announcement also drew criticism from some opposition leaders. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi questioned the decision in a social media post, referring to the lives lost in violence and making a critical remark about the political history associated with Advani.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also questioned the timing of the announcement, alleging that the award was intended to consolidate electoral support.
The range of responses reflected the contrasting views surrounding Advani’s political legacy. While supporters highlighted his contribution to the BJP’s rise and his years in government, critics drew attention to the controversies associated with his political career.
The Bharat Ratna was formally presented to Advani at his residence in New Delhi on March 31, 2024, by President Droupadi Murmu. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah were among those present at the ceremony.