L.K. Advani (born 1927)

Lal Krishna Advani is a veteran Indian

politician and former Deputy Prime Minister of India. Born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi, which is now in Pakistan, Advani played a crucial role in shaping the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian political landscape for over five decades.

Early Life and Education:

Advani was born to parents Kishanchand D. Advani and Gyani Devi in Karachi. He completed his schooling from Saint Patrick's High School, Karachi, and graduated from D.G. National College in Hyderabad, Sindh.

Political Career:

Advani started his political career as a volunteer for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and later became a full-time worker. In 1951, he became the organizing secretary of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (BJS), which was the precursor to the BJP.

He was elected to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament, in 1970, and later to the Lok Sabha, the lower house, in 1977. Advani rose to prominence during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement in the late 1980s, which aimed to build a temple at the site of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.

Advani served as the President of the BJP from 1986 to 1991 and again from 1993 to 1998. During his tenure, he played a significant role in the growth of the party and the Hindutva movement.

In 1998, Advani became the Deputy Prime Minister of India and served in that position until 2004. He also held the position of Home Minister of India from 1998 to 2004. As the Home Minister, he played a crucial role in the release of terrorists in exchange for hostages during the Indian Airlines hijacking in 1999.

In 2005, Advani became the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and continued in that position until 2009. He was also the Chairman of the BJP Parliamentary Party from 2004 to 2009.

Controversies:

Advani has been a controversial figure in Indian politics due to his association with the Hindutva movement and his alleged involvement in the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992. He was accused of making inflammatory speeches during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement that led to the demolition of the mosque.

Advani and several other BJP leaders were charged with criminal conspiracy in connection with the demolition of the Babri Masjid. In 2017, a special CBI court acquitted him and others due to lack of evidence.

Personal Life:

Advani is married to Kamla Advani, and the couple has a son and a daughter. His daughter, Pratibha Advani, is a well-known journalist.

Legacy:

Advani played a significant role in shaping the BJP and the Hindutva movement in India. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential leaders in Indian politics and has a loyal following among the party's supporters.

Advani's contributions to Indian politics and the BJP have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, in 2015, and the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry in 2018.

Conclusion:

L.K. Advani's contributions to Indian politics and the BJP cannot be overstated. He played a crucial role in the growth of the party and the Hindutva movement and served as a Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India. Although he has been a controversial figure due to his association with the Hindutva movement and his alleged involvement in.