Devendra Fadnavis hails decision to give Bharat Ratna to 'iron man' LK Advani

Devendra Fadnavis. File Pic

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday hailed the decision to confer the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award, on BJP stalwart LK Advani, reported the PTI.

LK Advani is an "iron man" who served the country as home minister and also played a stellar role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, Devendra Fadnavis said that in a statement, as per the PTI.

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His public life of more than six decades is without a blemish, Devendra Fadnavis asserted.

Meanwhile, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president Sharad Pawar on Saturday expressed happiness over the Centre's decision to confer Bharat Ratna on BJP stalwart and former deputy prime minister L K Advani and said he has contributed significantly towards the development of the nation.

Sharad Pawar told reporters here that he and LK Advani subscribe to different political ideologies, but the BJP leader was a good parliamentarian and Union minister.
In a tweet, Sharad Pawar also said he was glad that LK Advani would be conferred Bharat Ratna. Advani has made immense contributions to the development of the country, the NCP founder said, as per PTI.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Advani (96) would be conferred the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award.

"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," PM Modi said on X.

The prime minister said the conferring of the Bharat Ratna on Advani is a very "emotional moment for me".

PM Modi spoke to the BJP's longest-serving president, who is credited with crafting the party's rise through the 90s when it came to power for the first time with Atal Bihari Vajpayee heading a coalition government, and congratulated him.

PM Modi on Saturday said the decision to confer Bharat Ratna on BJP stalwart and former deputy prime minister Lal Krishna Advani is a testament to the fact that the county never forgets those who dedicate their lives in its service.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi announced that Advani would be conferred the country's highest civilian award.

"Advani ji's works and services have been inspiring. This honour to Advani ji 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 Advani ji," PM Modi said in Odisha's Sambalpur after unveiling several projects in the state.

(with PTI inputs)