Abhinit Kumar
Lal Krishna Advani, a name synonymous with the evolution of Indian politics, has been a stalwart figure whose career spans over several decades. Advani is known as the politician who set the standards of authenticity in Indian politics and his long public life and fought tirelessly for the issues related to the country, culture, and people. He is regarded as a symbol of purity, dedication, and determination in politics. The significant contribution that the BJP stalwart has made to the country’s development and nation-building in various roles during his long public life is unforgettable and inspiring. He has also played an important role in keeping the unity and integrity of India intact. As a national leader, he has strengthened the country and democracy through his scholarship, and parliamentary and administrative abilities. Born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi, British India (now Pakistan), Advani’s journey has been marked by his unwavering commitment to his principles, dedication to public service, and significant influence on the political landscape of India.
Advani’s political journey can be traced back to his early association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)in 1942. At the tender age of 14, he joined the RSS as a volunteer, setting the foundation for a lifetime of service to the nation. His initial years in the RSS played a crucial role in shaping his worldview and laying the groundwork for his future political endeavors.
In the early 1950s, Advani became actively involved in the Jana Sangh, the political arm of the RSS. His prowess as a grassroots organizer and his commitment to the party’s ideology quickly propelled him through the ranks. His political acumen and dedication to nationalist principles marked him as a rising star in the political arena.
In 1980, Advani played a pivotal role in the formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a political party that would go on to become a dominant force in Indian politics. The BJP emerged as a platform that aimed to represent the values of cultural nationalism, economic self-reliance, and a pro-Hindu stance. Advani’s role as one of the co-founders showcased his ability to navigate the complex and dynamic political landscape of the time. He emerged as the face of BJP’s aggressive and combative Hindutva ideology. He orchestrated the rise of the party in the 1990s with Vajpayee, taking the BJP from two parliamentary seats in 1984 to 121 seats in 1992 and 161 in 1996; making the 1996 elections a watershed in the 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.
One of the defining moments in Advani’s political career was the Ayodhya Rath Yatra in 1990. This movement, spearheaded by Advani, aimed at garnering support for the construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya. The yatra, marked by its fervor and mass participation, played a pivotal role in shaping the political discourse in the country. However, it also led to communal tensions and the eventual demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992, an event that continues to be a subject of debate and controversy.
Advani’s ascent in national politics reached its zenith when he assumed the role of the 7th Deputy Prime Minister of India in 2002. His tenure in this position, which lasted until 2004, showcased his administrative prowess and his ability to navigate the complexities of coalition politics. In addition to his role as Deputy Prime Minister, Advani also served as the Minister of Home Affairs, making him the longest-serving individual in this capacity in the history of independent India.
Advani’s parliamentary career included a significant stint as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. His articulate and assertive leadership during this period earned him respect across party lines. In the 2009 general election, Advani emerged as the prime ministerial candidate of the BJP. Though the election results did not favor the party, his nomination reflected the confidence and trust his colleagues placed in his leadership.
On a momentous occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on a Saturday that Lal Krishna Advani would be conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award. Advani, expressing his gratitude, described the award not just as a personal honor but as a recognition of the ideals and principles that have guided his life’s work. Advani’s acceptance speech highlighted the influence of his early years in the RSS, emphasizing his commitment to dedicated and selfless service to the nation. He paid homage to influential figures such as Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, acknowledging their impact on his political ideology.
Beyond the political arena, Advani’s personal life has been marked by a supportive family, particularly his late wife Kamla. In his acceptance speech, he expressed deep gratitude for their unwavering support, emphasizing the crucial role they played in sustaining him through the highs and lows of his political journey. Lal Krishna Advani’s legacy extends beyond the political landscape; it encompasses the shaping of a modern, dynamic, and assertive India. His influence on the BJP’s ideology, from its inception to the present day, is undeniable. The Ram Janmabhoomi movement, while divisive, played a role in reshaping the narrative of cultural identity in Indian politics.
Advani’s commitment to nationalism, and cultural values, and his leadership during critical junctures in Indian history have left an indelible mark. As a parliamentarian, administrator, and political thinker, his contributions continue to be studied and analyzed, influencing the contours of contemporary Indian politics.
The story of Lal Krishna Advani is one of resilience, determination, and a steadfast commitment to the values he holds dear. From his early days as an RSS volunteer to being conferred with the Bharat Ratna, his journey reflects the evolving dynamics of Indian politics. While his career has not been without controversies, his impact on the national stage cannot be ignored. As a statesman and a political visionary, Advani’s legacy endures, leaving an imprint on the political fabric of India. He is widely regarded as an individual of great intellectual ability, strong principles, and unwavering support for the idea of a strong and prosperous India. As confirmed by former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Advani Ji has ‘never compromised on his core belief in nationalism, and yet has displayed flexibility in political responses whenever it was demanded by the situation’.
