Narendra Modi Writes: ‘He Built the Party on a Strong Foundation of Nation First’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paid tribute to veteran BJP leader and former Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani, recalling his decades-long contribution to Indian politics, his partnership with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and his role in strengthening the Bharatiya Janata Party.

In his tribute, Modi described Advani as a leader who approached every responsibility with dedication and discipline, adding that his political journey had helped change the course of Indian politics.

Recalling Advani’s early days as a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) pracharak, Modi said he initially worked in different parts of Rajasthan before moving to Delhi, where he began working closely with Vajpayee.

He highlighted the extraordinary partnership between the two leaders, noting that it was rare for two prominent political figures to work together for several decades without becoming rivals.

“Advani Ji and Atal Ji set a remarkable example. Together, they changed the course of Indian politics,” Modi said.

From Delhi Metropolitan Council to Parliament

Recalling Advani’s early political career, Modi said that when he arrived in Delhi, the national capital was still dealing with the aftermath of Partition.

Advani immersed himself in strengthening the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the political predecessor of the BJP.

In 1967, he became chairman of the Delhi Metropolitan Council, working alongside Vijay Kumar Malhotra, who served as its chief executive councillor.

Advani entered Parliament in 1970 as a Rajya Sabha member. Over the years, he established himself as an influential parliamentarian, earning appreciation for his interventions across party lines.

Modi noted that Advani made his mark in both Houses of Parliament, serving as a member, Leader of Opposition and later as a senior member of the government.

Despite his parliamentary responsibilities, he continued travelling across the country and maintaining direct contact with people.

Modi Recalls Advani’s Gandhinagar Connection

Modi also recalled his personal association with Advani during the 1991 Lok Sabha elections, when the senior BJP leader contested from two constituencies, including Gandhinagar in Gujarat.

Advani had a longstanding connection with Gujarat. His father had settled in Kutch after Partition, and Advani had also represented the state in the Rajya Sabha.

Describing the election campaign as a homecoming of sorts, Modi recalled helping prepare Advani’s nomination papers and assisting him during the campaign.

He said the people of Gandhinagar repeatedly elected Advani to Parliament and that his commitment to constituency-related responsibilities offered valuable lessons in public service.

Modi also recalled voting for Advani as a voter of Gandhinagar, describing it as a personal privilege.

Emergency: A Defining Chapter in Advani’s Life

The Prime Minister described the Emergency imposed in 1975 as a watershed moment in Advani’s political journey.

He said Advani stood at the forefront of the movement to defend democracy and protect the Constitution during the period of Emergency rule.

Advani later documented his experiences in his book A Prisoner’s Scrap-Book. Modi particularly highlighted a section titled A Tale of Two Emergencies, which drew comparisons between developments in India after June 1975 and events in Nazi Germany in 1933.

According to Modi, Advani’s experiences during the Emergency reflected his commitment to democratic values and constitutional freedoms.

From Information and Broadcasting Minister to Home Minister

Modi also praised Advani’s administrative record, describing him as an effective administrator in addition to being a prominent Opposition leader.

When the Janata government came to power in 1977, Advani became the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting.

Modi said his work in the ministry had a significant impact.

Later, as Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Advani played an important role in strengthening India’s internal security framework.

The Prime Minister also highlighted his contributions towards improving the welfare of security personnel and his firm position against terrorism.

Somnath-Ayodhya Rath Yatra: A Turning Point

One of the most significant chapters in Advani’s political career was the Somnath-to-Ayodhya Rath Yatra of 1990.

Modi described the yatra as an iconic moment that significantly influenced Indian politics and society.

Recalling his own involvement, he said he had the privilege of participating in the planning and execution of the movement from its early stages.

Being present at Somnath when the yatra began was particularly memorable, he added.

Modi also praised Advani’s physical endurance and determination during the journey, which involved extensive travelling, long working hours and demanding schedules.

He recalled the emotional moments surrounding Advani’s arrest in Bihar during the yatra.

The developments were followed by the BJP’s withdrawal of support from the Chimanbhai Patel-led government in Gujarat, reflecting the party’s position on the Ram Temple movement.

Modi said the commitment made by party leaders and workers to the construction of a Ram Temple eventually became a reality with the inauguration of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

Simplicity, Reading and Love for Culture

Beyond politics and administration, Modi highlighted Advani’s personal qualities, particularly his simplicity, intellectual curiosity and commitment to public life.

He recalled that following the Navnirman Movement, Advani stayed in Junagadh for a month as an ordinary party worker, helping prepare the organisation for the Assembly elections.

Modi said Advani had consistently demonstrated high standards of integrity in public life.

He also described him as a voracious reader who carefully followed newspapers and maintained a keen interest in cinema and theatre.

Advani’s understanding of history and his emphasis on preserving India’s heritage were reflected in his autobiography, My Country My Life.

The Prime Minister also recalled Advani’s continued connection with Sindhi culture and his efforts to popularise the Sindhu Darshan Puja near Leh. He remembered attending one such ceremony alongside Advani and former Defence Minister George Fernandes.

Kamla Advani’s Support and the Bharat Ratna

Modi said any account of Advani’s remarkable political journey would remain incomplete without acknowledging the contribution of his wife, Kamla Advani.

He described her as a constant source of strength and support throughout Advani’s public life.

Born and raised in Karachi before Partition, Advani went on to become one of India’s most influential political figures.

In recognition of his decades-long contribution to public life, the Government of India conferred the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian award, on him in 2024.

As Advani enters his 100th year of life, Modi expressed his wishes for the veteran leader’s good health and said his journey would continue to inspire generations.

The tribute underlines Advani’s enduring place in the BJP’s history, from its organisational roots and political expansion to its emergence as one of India’s major political forces.