Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (November 8) wished former deputy prime minister LK Advani on his 92nd birthday
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (November 8) extended his birthday greetings to BJP stalwart LK Advani, and described him as a “statesman” on his 92nd birthday.
Taking to Twitter, PM Modi, in a series of tweets, lauded Advani for his contributions to the BJP.
"Scholar, statesman and one of the most respected leaders, India will always cherish the exceptional contribution of Shri Lal Krishna Advani Ji towards empowering our citizens. On his birthday, I convey my greetings to respected Advani Ji and pray for his long and healthy life," PM Modi said.
"Shri LK Advani Ji toiled for decades to give shape and strength to the @BJP4India. If over the years, our party has emerged as a dominant pole of Indian politics, it is because of leaders like Advani Ji and the selfless Karyakartas he groomed for decades," he said in a follow-up tweet.
The prime minister said that public service has always been associated with values for Advani and asserted that he has not compromised on the core ideology even once.
"When it came to safeguarding our democracy, he was at the forefront. As a Minister, his administrative skills are universally lauded," the prime minister said.
Born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi, Advani served as the minister of home affairs in the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government from 1998 to 2004.
He also served as the deputy prime minister under Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led government from 2002 to 2004.
Advani began his political career as a volunteer of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). In 2015, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan — India's second-highest civilian honour.
The BJP stalwart represented Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency in 1991 and again from 1998 to 2019, before party chief and current Union home minister Amit Shah contested and won from this seat in this year's general elections.
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