New Delhi

 Union Minister Anurag Thakur joined fellow BJP leaders in congratulating veteran leader and former Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani on being picked for the Bharat Ratna on Saturday, saying that he had tears in his eyes.

"One of the tallest leaders of independent India who is known as a statesman, someone who expanded the BJP and the one who undertook Yatra for Ram Temple - the decision taken by PM Modi to confer the Bharat Ratna upon such a man, LK Advani has made crores of Indians very happy," Thakur said speaking to ANI on Saturday.

I extend my sincerest wishes to Shri L K Advani ji on being conferred with the prestigious Bharat Ratna for his decades-long service to the nation and the public at large.

A stalwart statesman, his monumental contributions have left an indelible mark on the trajectory of… pic.twitter.com/KUTisad10j

— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) February 3, 2024

The Union Minister said that conferring the prestigious award to one of the strongest proponents of the Ram Mandir movement at a time when the Ram Janmabhoomi temple has been inaugurated has made every Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker emotional.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with BJP stallwart LK Advani

"People were overwhelmed. They remembered the time when they took bricks from their home to build the Ram Mandir. Today, the 500-year-long wait has come to an end. The majestic Ram Mandir has been built and the Pran Pratishtha has been completed.

This has fulfilled the dreams of such leaders. Conferring the Bharat Ratna to such a leader who has inspired crores of workers has made us emotional. We have tears in our eyes and smiles on our faces," the Union Minister said.

Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and  LK Advani had shared a bond forever

Speaking about his personal ties with Advani, Thakur said, "He (Advani) had been the I&B (Information and Broadcasting) Minister earlier; I am holding that post now. He has also been the Deputy Prime Minister. I have learnt a lot from him. I express gratitude to him and congratulate LK Advani."

Saffron stalwart and senior BJP leader LK Advani will be conferred the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian honour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Saturday.

I am very happy to share that Shri LK Advani Ji will be conferred the Bharat Ratna. I also spoke to him and congratulated him on being conferred this honour. One of the most respected statesmen of our times, his contribution to the development of India is monumental. His is a… pic.twitter.com/Ya78qjJbPK

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 3, 2024

Born in Karachi, in present-day Pakistan, on November 8, 1927, Advani through the years, had served as the President of the Bharatiya Janata Party for the longest period since its inception in 1980. Capping a parliamentary career of nearly three decades, he was, first, the Home Minister and, later, the Deputy Prime Minister in the cabinet of Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1999-2004).

Through the latter half of the 1980s and the 1990s, LK Advani focused on the singular task of building the BJP into a national political force. The results of his efforts were underscored by the 1989 General Election.

The party bounced back from its 1984 tally of 2 to achieve an impressive 86 seats. The Party position moved up to 121 seats in 1992 and 161 in 1996; making the 1996 elections a watershed in Indian democracy. For the first time since independence, the

Congress was dethroned from its preeminent position, and the BJP became the single largest party in the Lok Sabha.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described veteran BJP leader LK Advani as a "great son" of India and said the decision to award him Bharat Ratna shows that the nation never forgets those who dedicate their lives in its service.

"Great son of India...nation never forgets those who dedicate their lives in its service," PM Modi on Bharat Ratna to LK Advani

Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/36fpA3YZli#lkadvani #PMModi #BharatRatna pic.twitter.com/MsQP2c1U3X

— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) February 3, 2024

Speaking at an event here to unveil development projects in Odisha, PM Modi said that as Deputy Prime Minister, Home Minister and Information and Broadcasting Minister, and as a dedicated MP devoted to public causes, respected LK Advani has given unparalleled services to the country.

PM Modi said he has been fortunate to have continuously received the love and guidance of Lal Krishna Advani.

"Today, our country has decided to give 'Bharat Ratna' to its great son, former Deputy Prime Minister Shri Lal Krishna Advaniji. Advaniji's works and services have been inspiring. This honour to Advaniji is a testament to the fact that the nation never forgets those who dedicate their lives in its service. I have been fortunate that I have been continuously receiving the love and guidance of Lal Krishna Advaniji," PM Modi said.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi announced that LK Advani will be conferred the country's highest civilian honour.

"Birthday greetings to Shri LK Advani Ji,” Prime Minister Modi wrote on X. “He is a beacon of integrity and dedication who has made monumental contributions that have strengthened our nation. His visionary leadership has furthered national progress and unity. I wish him good health and a long life,” Modi said.

Veteran leader  LK Advani  with daughter Pratibha Advani

"I am very happy to share that Shri LK Advani Ji will be conferred the Bharat Ratna. I also spoke to him and congratulated him on being conferred this honour. One of the most respected statesmen of our times, his contribution to the development of India is monumental. His is a life that started from working at the grassroots to serving the nation as our Deputy Prime Minister. He distinguished himself as our Home Minister and I&B Minister as well. His Parliamentary interventions have always been exemplary, full of rich insights," PM posted on X.

Also Read: Macron’s visit to Nizamuddin Dargah shows his desire to promote peaceful co-existence

This is the seventh Bharat Ratna awarded by the Modi government, since assuming office in 2014 - Karpoori Thakur, Madan Mohan Malviya, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Pranab Mukherjee, Bhupen Hazarika, and Nanaji Deshmukh.