Mumbai: After PM Narendra Modi announced that LK Advani will be conferred Bharat Ratna, the veteran BJP leader 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.”
PM Modi announced on Saturday that the veteran BJP leader would be conferred the Bharat Ratna. Also Read: LK Advani To Be Conferred Bharat Ratna, Announces PM Modi
Calling it an ‘honour’ for his ideals and principles, the BJP veteran said, “With utmost humility and gratitude, I accept the Bharat Ratna that has been conferred on me today. 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.”
Advani thanked President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for presenting him with the Bharat Ratna.
“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.
“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,” he said.
“Today I gratefully remember two persons with whom I had the honour of working closely – Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee,” Advani said.
He also thanked the party workers and swayamsevaks.
Lal Krishna Advani served as India’s 7th Deputy Prime Minister from 2002 until 2004. He co-founded the BJP and is a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Advani is also the longest-serving Home Minister and Opposition Leader in the Lok Sabha.
He was the BJP’s prime ministerial contender in the 2009 general election.
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