Lal Krishna Advani, born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi, British India (now Pakistan), has been a stalwart figure in Indian politics for nearly a century. His life has been marked by unwavering dedication to the cause of Hindutva and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which he co-founded. Advani’s remarkable journey has seen him rise from a humble RSS pracharak to the highest echelons of Indian politics, serving as the 7th Deputy Prime Minister of India from 2002 to 2004.
Early Life and Education
Advani’s early life was shaped by the tumultuous events of the Partition of India. He migrated to India in 1947 and settled in Bombay (now Mumbai), where he completed his college education. His involvement with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) began at the age of fourteen in 1941, and he quickly rose through the ranks to become a pracharak (full-time worker) in Rajasthan.
Career
Advani’s political career began in earnest in 1951 when he joined the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), the political wing of the RSS. He held various positions within the party, including secretary of the Rajasthan unit, chairman of the Delhi Metropolitan Council, and member of the Rajya Sabha from 1970 to 1989.
Leadership Roles
Advani’s leadership skills were evident early on. He became the president of the BJS in 1973 and played a crucial role in the party’s merger with the Janata Party before the 1977 general elections. Following the Janata Party’s victory, he served as the union minister for Information and Broadcasting and leader of the house in the Rajya Sabha.
Rath Yatras and Nationalist Movement
Advani’s most notable contribution to Indian politics was his series of Rath Yatras (chariot processions) in the 1990s. These massive public rallies, which traversed the length and breadth of the country, helped to popularize the BJP and its nationalist agenda. The Rath Yatras were instrumental in broadening the party’s electoral base and paving the way for its success in the 1998 and 1999 parliamentary elections.
Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of Opposition
Advani’s rise to prominence continued when he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister in 2002. He served in this capacity until 2004, when the BJP lost the general elections. He then became the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, a position he held until 2014.
Recent Years
In recent years, Advani’s role in politics has been less prominent. Despite his continued presence in the Lok Sabha, he has spoken infrequently, with a notable drop in his parliamentary participation. His last significant speech was in 2014, and he has since been relatively quiet in Parliament.
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Awards and Recognition
Advani’s contributions to Indian politics have been recognized with several prestigious awards. In February 2024, he was conferred the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honor in India, by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Bibliography
Advani has authored several books, including:
- A Prisoner’s Scrap-Book (2002)
- New Approaches to Security and Development (2003)
- My Country My Life (2008)
- As I See It: LK Advani’s Blog Posts (2011)
- Nazarband Loktantra (2016)
- Drishtikon (2016)
- Rashtra Sarvopari (2014)
Lal Krishna Advani’s life is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the cause of Hindutva and the BJP. From his early days as a RSS pracharak to his rise as Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of Opposition, Advani has been a driving force in Indian politics. His legacy continues to shape the country’s political landscape, and his contributions will be remembered for generations to come.