New Delhi, 08 November (H.S.): Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and several other prominent leaders on Sunday extended birthday greetings and best wishes to veteran BJP leader, former Deputy Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna awardee Lal Krishna Advani.

Extending his greetings in a post on X, the Vice-President wrote, “Heartiest birthday wishes to L.K. Advani. His decades of public service and commitment to the nation have been an important part of India's democratic journey. I wish him good health, happiness and well-being.”

Highlighting Advani's invaluable contributions to the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared an article on social media and recalled his unwavering determination to rebuild and create something new, irrespective of the challenges he faced. Modi said this spirit remained with Advani throughout his life and was evident in his efforts to strengthen the Jana Sangh and subsequently build the Bharatiya Janata Party.

The Prime Minister also noted that Indian politics witnessed significant transformations during Advani's tenure as BJP national president. He prayed for the veteran leader's good health and expressed the hope that Advani would continue to inspire and guide people.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said Advani's dedication to the nation, extensive experience in public life and commitment to democratic values were an inspiration to everyone. He prayed that God would bless him with good health, longevity and a happy life, adding that his guidance and presence should continue to benefit all.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that throughout his long public life, Advani had established new benchmarks of integrity, dedication and leadership, making invaluable contributions to nation-building. He said Advani had played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Bharatiya Janata Party and in expanding its presence across every corner of the country. Through his work and personality, he had enriched Indian politics, Singh added. He further said that Advani's life, dedicated to public service, and his ideals would remain a source of inspiration for generations to come.

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah said that, rising from a humble family background to become a founding member and national president of the BJP and subsequently the country's Deputy Prime Minister, Advani had exemplified public service and the principle of putting the nation first in every role he had undertaken. Through a life marked by struggle, sacrifice and dedication, Advani had demonstrated that commitment to the motherland and one's ideology was the defining characteristic of BJP workers, Shah said.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari prayed for Advani's good health, longevity and a prosperous life. He also expressed the hope that the veteran leader would continue to guide everyone with his wisdom and experience.

Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda said Advani's dedication to the nation, steadfastness of thought, unwavering commitment to principles and lifelong devotion to the organisation would remain etched in golden letters in the history of Indian politics. He added that Advani's unparalleled contribution to establishing the BJP as a strong organisation and to nation-building continued to inspire everyone.

Union Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan prayed that the blessings of Lord Shri Ram would continue to remain with Advani. He wished him good health and a long life and expressed the hope that everyone would continue to receive his affection, blessings and guidance.

BJP National President Nitin Nabin said Advani's contribution to expanding the organisation from the Jana Sangh to the Bharatiya Janata Party, taking nationalist ideology to the masses and transforming the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi movement into a mass movement was unforgettable. He said Advani's integrity in public life and unwavering commitment to the organisation would continue to inspire BJP workers for generations. Nabin also prayed for his good health and longevity.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar