Veteran BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani’s family on Saturday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he announced that the former deputy prime minister will be conferred with Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award of the nation.

Born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi, Advani’s political journey began as a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) where he imbibed the ideology that would shape his political career. 96-year-old Advani served as the 7th Deputy Prime Minister of India from 2002 to 2004. He is the longest serving Minister of Home Affairs serving from 1998 to 2004. He is also the longest serving Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. He was the prime ministerial candidate of the BJP during the 2009 general election.

LK Advani’s daughter, Pratibha Advani, expressed happiness over the announcement of Bharat Ratna award to her father.

Pratibha Advani, who was sitting with LK Advani at his residence in the national capital, congratulated her father by offering him a ‘laddu’. The veteran BJP leader joined his hands and greeted the people.

Talking to mediapersons, Pratibha Advani said, “The entire family is very happy that ‘Dada’ (LK Advani) has received the country’s highest honour. Today I miss my mother the most because her contribution to his life, be it personal or political life is huge. When I told Dada, he was very happy and said that he spent his entire life in the service of his country. He thanked PM Modi and the people of the country for honouring him with such a big award.”

“He is very overwhelmed. He is a man of few words. But he had tears in his eyes. He was very happy even at the time of Pran Pratishtha of Ram Temple. This was such a dream of his life for which he struggled and worked for a long time. His personality is such that when someone praises him, tears come to his eyes,” she added.

Jayant Advani, veteran BJP leader LK Advani’s son said it is wonderful to note that at this stage in his life, his efforts are being recognised in this magnificent way.

“My family and I are extremely delighted with this new development. I would like to thank PM Narendra Modi for conferring this award on my father. My father’s contribution to public life has been immense and it is wonderful to note that at this stage in his life, his efforts are being recognised in this magnificent way,” he said.

Earlier, the Prime Minister took to his personal X handle to announce the highest civilian award for LK Advani and informed that he also congratulated the party veteran on being conferred with the nation’s highest civilian honour.