Bharatiya Janata Party leader L.K. Advani expressed gratitude to party workers and said he is accepting the Bharat Ratna with utmost humility and gratitude.
Advani appeared before the media along with his daughter with folded hands. In a statement, Advani said, “It is not only an honour for me as a person, but also for the ideals and principles that I strove to serve throughout my life to the best of my ability. Ever since I joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh as its volunteer at the age of 14, I have sought reward in only thing - in dedicated and selfless service of my beloved country in whatever task life assigned to me.” In his statement, Advani thanked President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Advani said, “What has inspired my life is the motto ‘This life is not mine. My life is for my Nation’." The BJP leader remembered Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. “I also express my deepest feelings for all members of my family, especially my dear departed wife Kamla. They have been the greatest source of strength and sustenance in my life,” he said.
Reacting to the award, Advani’s family said he was overwhelmed and the entire family was very happy. Advani appeared before the media along with his daughter with folded hands. Talking to ANI, Pratibha Advani said, “The entire family is very happy that 'Dada' has received the country's highest honour. He is very happy. Today I miss my mother the most because her contribution to his life, be it personal or political life is huge.” Pratibha added Advani thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his countrymen for honouring him with Bharat Ratna. “He is very overwhelmed. He is a man of few words. But he had tears in his eyes,” Pratibha added.
Advani's son Jayant Advani said, “It is a matter of happiness of all of us, the country and the family. We are emotional and happy over this announcement. It is like a 'double dhamaka'. Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha took place on January 22 and on February 3, he has been honoured with Bharat Ratna. He was associated with the Ram Mandir movement. I express my gratitude towards the government and PM Modi for this decision,” ANI reported.
Announcing the award, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it was a very emotional moment. “I am very happy to share that Shri L.K. Advani Ji will be conferred the Bharat Ratna. One of the most respected statesmen of our times, his contribution to the development of India is monumental. The conferring of the Bharat Ratna on him is a very emotional moment for me,” Modi said.
Several BJP leaders and union ministers reacted on Advani getting the award. “It is a matter of pride for all of us. Advani ji dedicated his life for the country and society. Atal ji and Advani ji played an important role in BJP's expansion. I was fortunate to have got an opportunity to work with both of them. May God give him a long life and he continue to guide us," Union Minister Nitin Gadkari told PTI.
