PM Modi meets BJP leader LK Advani on his 97th birthday, says he devoted himself to India's development

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited senior BJP stalwart L K Advani's residence on Friday to greet him on his 97th birthday.

PM Modi lauded him as one of India's most admired statesmen devoted to furthering the country's development. Modi said this year is even more special because Advani was conferred the Bharat Ratna for his outstanding service to the nation.

The prime minister and BJP president J P Nadda personally visited Advani's residence to extend their wishes.

वरिष्ठ नेता, पूर्व उप-प्रधानमंत्री 'भारत रत्न' आदरणीय श्री लालकृष्ण आडवाणी जी के निवास पर उन्हें जन्मदिन की हार्दिक बधाई दी व आशीर्वाद प्राप्त किया।

आप सदैव स्वस्थ एवं दीर्घायु हो, ऐसी ईश्वर से प्रार्थना करता हूँ। pic.twitter.com/by7PQUgP3J

— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) November 8, 2024

Haryana chief minister Nayab Saini also met and extended birthday greetings to veteran BJP leader LK Advani at his residence.

देश के विकास में अहम भूमिका निभाने वाले,भाजपा परिवार के पुरोधा,राजनीति में अपने समर्पण व सिद्धांतों से करोड़ों कार्यकर्ताओं के आदर्श देश के पूर्व उप-प्रधानमंत्री भारत रत्न आदरणीय श्री लालकृष्ण आडवाणी जी के जन्मदिन पर उनसे भेंट कर उन्हें बधाई दी।

ईश्वर से प्रार्थना है कि आप… pic.twitter.com/aBbXbSKYTp

— Nayab Saini (@NayabSainiBJP) November 8, 2024

Modi expressed on X: "Among India's most admired statesmen, he has devoted himself to furthering India's development. He has always been respected for his intellect and rich insights. I am fortunate to have received his guidance for many years. I pray for his long and healthy life."

Best wishes to Shri LK Advani Ji on his birthday. This year is even more special because he was conferred the Bharat Ratna for his outstanding service to our nation. Among India's most admired statesmen, he has devoted himself to furthering India's development. He has always been…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 8, 2024

Former president Ram Nath Kovind visited Advani's residence and recognised him as an extraordinary statesman who served as a beacon in Indian politics.

Kovind acknowledged Advani's unwavering commitment and forward-thinking leadership as significant contributors to national progress.

Home minister Amit Shah highlighted Advani's crucial contribution in establishing BJP as a people-centric party through his public service and organisational capabilities. Shah noted that under Advani's leadership, the party experienced substantial growth and expansion.

Shah also commended Advani's notable tenure as the former deputy prime minister and home minister.
Advani maintained the longest presidency of the Bharatiya Janata Party since its establishment in 1980, serving during 1986-1990, 1993-1998 and 2004-2005.

Various chief ministers and BJP officials acknowledged Advani's significant role in the party's advancement.