Former Deputy PM LK Advani To Receive Bharat Ratna: A Timeline Of His Political Career

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the Bharat Ratna for veteran BJP leader LK Advani.

Updated on: 3 February 2024 3:08 pm

BJP leader LK Advani Photo: PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on X that BJP leader LK Advani will receive the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award. Advani, known for his extensive political career spanning nearly three decades, held key positions including Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister during Atal Bihari Vajpayee's tenure from 1999 to 2004.

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Timeline of LK Advani's Political Career:

1927: Born on November 8 in pre-Partition Sindh.

1947: Migrated to Delhi after the partition.

1951: Joined Jana Sangh, BJP’s predecessor, formed by Syama Prasad Mookerjee.

1970: Enters Parliament as a member of the Rajya Sabha and holds the seat till 1989.

1972: Elected president of Bharatiya Jana Sangh.

1975: Appointed information and broadcasting minister in the Janata Party under the prime ministership of Morarji Desai.

During the Emergency, Advani, along with Atal Bihari Vajpayee, is arrested and sent to prison.

1980: Plays a crucial role, along with Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in founding the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

1986-1990, 1993-1998, 2004-2005: Serves as the national president of the BJP in three stints.

1989: Successfully runs for the Lok Sabha from New Delhi.

1991: Contest and win from Gandhinagar in Gujarat and New Delhi, choosing to represent Gandhinagar.

1990s: Gains prominence for leadership in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement "Rath Yatra", advocating for the construction of a temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.

1999-2004: Serves as Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister in Atal Bihari Vajpayee's cabinet during the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) rule.

2014: Last election representing the Gandhinagar seat.

Recent years: Takes a step back from active political engagements due to health issues.

2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announces that LK Advani will be honored with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.