India’s highest civilian award, on January 24, 2024. The award was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who called Advani “one of the most respected statesmen of our times.”
Advani’s career in politics spans over six decades. He served as the Deputy Prime Minister of India from 1998 to 2004, and he was the President of the BJP from 2000 to 2005. He is a controversial figure, and his legacy is debated by historians and political commentators.
Some people believe that Advani deserves the Bharat Ratna because of his long and distinguished career in public service. They point to his role in the BJP’s rise to power, as well as his key role in the implementation of several important policies during the Vajpayee government.
Others believe that Advani does not deserve the award because of his role in the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992. They argue that this event was a major turning point in Indian politics, and that it led to increased religious tensions and violence in the country.
The decision to award the Bharat Ratna to Advani is a controversial one, and it is likely to be debated for many years to come.
According to a recent survey, 52% of Indians believe that Advani deserves the Bharat Ratna, while 48% believe that he does not. The survey also found that there is a significant partisan divide on this issue, with 80% of BJP supporters believing that Advani deserves the award, while only 20% of Congress supporters believe the same.
The decision to award the Bharat Ratna to Lal Krishna Advani has been met with mixed reactions. Some people believe that it is a well-deserved honor for a statesman who has made significant contributions to Indian politics, while others believe that it is a politically motivated decision that undermines the credibility of the award.
Those who support the award point to Advani’s long and distinguished career in public service. He has served as Deputy Prime Minister of India, Home Minister, and President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He is also credited with playing a key role in the BJP’s rise to power in the 1990s.
Those who oppose the award argue that Advani is a divisive figure who has been responsible for inciting communal violence. They point to his role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, which led to the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992. They also argue that he has made insensitive remarks about minorities, such as Muslims and Christians.
The decision to award the Bharat Ratna is a complex one, and there are valid arguments to be made on both sides. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they believe that Advani is deserving of the award.
The timing of the award, just months before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, was also seen by some as politically motivated. The BJP is the ruling party in India, and some critics argued that the award was intended to boost the party’s chances in the upcoming elections. However, the government denied that the timing of the award was politically motivated, saying that it was simply a coincidence that it came close to the elections.
