New Delhi, 17 October (H.S.): Veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani was admitted to Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in New Delhi with a chest infection on Friday evening. His condition is stable, hospital officials said.

The 98-year-old leader was brought to the hospital at around 7.30 pm and admitted to the pulmonary department. He is under observation by a team of doctors, and medical tests are underway.

Advani was last admitted to Apollo Hospital in May this year due to age-related health complications and was discharged after receiving medical care for a few days. In December 2024, he was admitted to the hospital's intensive care unit for medical management and investigations under the supervision of a neurologist. The hospital had reported gradual improvement in his condition at the time.

Born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi, now in Pakistan, Advani is among the senior leaders associated with the BJP's growth into a major national political party. He served as the party president on multiple occasions and played a key role in expanding its organisational base across the country. His Ram Rath Yatra in 1990 marked a significant phase in Indian politics.

Advani served as Deputy Prime Minister from 2002 to 2004 in the government led by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He also held important portfolios, including Home Affairs, during his political career. He was conferred the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 2024 and received the Padma Vibhushan in 2015.

-------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar