Bharat Ratna to LK Advani: Nitish calls out BJP Stalwart, praises his 'inspirational' role in nation building
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar lauded LK Advani's contribution to nation building and recalled the time when he got an opportunity to work with the BJP stalwart in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.
New Delhi: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday called Lal Krishna Advani's contributions to nation-building “inspirational” and congratulated the BJP stalwart on his appointment as the latest recipient of the Bharat Ratna award – India's highest civilian award.
Nitish, who recently rejoined the BJP-led NDA after severing ties with the Mahagathbandhan alliance in Bihar, called the former deputy prime minister and congratulated him after his name was announced as the recipient of the Bharat Ratna.
The JD(U) supremo lauded Advani's contribution to nation building and recalled the time when he got an opportunity to work with him in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.
“The contribution Advani ji has made to the development and nation building of the country in various roles and capacities during his long public life is unforgettable and inspiring,” he said.
'Learned a lot from Advani'
The Bihar CM also said that he has learned a lot from the BJP veteran.
“I also got the opportunity to work with him in the Union Cabinet during the tenure of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. I learned a lot from him,” he said.
“The CM extended his best wishes to Advani ji for the central government's decision to confer Bharat Ratna award on him. He spoke to Advani ji over phone and extended his heartfelt congratulations,” an official statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Advani will receive the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award.
Kumar said Advani is one of the most respected statesmen in the country.
'Proud of Advani ji'
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary, in a video statement, also extended his wishes and congratulated Advani on the award, saying his life has been an inspiration to all.
“We are indeed very proud and elated that Advani ji will be handed over to the Bharat Ratna. He has dedicated his entire life to the country and society… I would like to thank the Prime Minister for this decision,” he added.
Wishes are pouring in for LK Advani
Several other BJP leaders also congratulated Advani.
“Advani ji has fueled the 'alakh' of cultural nationalism through his Rath Yatra and the parameters of fairness he created are enormous. We are very happy that our honorable leader and former Deputy Prime Minister Advani ji has been handed over to Bharat Ratna,” former Union Minister and BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad told news agency PTI.
“We thank our Prime Minister for this decision, which has made the people of the country and every BJP worker happy,” Prasad said.
Senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Shahnawaz Hussain said, “It is a happy day for all of us as our beloved leader Advani has been handed over to Bharat Ratna. I would like to thank the Prime Minister and the Central Government for the decision.”
(With PTI inputs)