I Feel Fortunate to Have Worked with Him: Murli Manohar Joshi Meets ‘Bharat Ratna’ Advani

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 5th Feb. Murli Manohar Joshi, a veteran of the Bharatiya Janata Party, met his senior colleague Lal Krishna Advani at his residence in Delhi on Saturday evening to congratulate him for being awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award.

Joshi expressed his gratitude for having had the opportunity to work with Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Nanaji Deshmukh, and LK Advani, according to news agency ANI.

“I am deeply happy to see Lal Krishna Advani ji honored with the Bharat Ratna. I congratulate him. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Bharat Ratna Atal Ji, Bharat Ratna Nanaji Deshmukh, and Bharat Ratna Advani Ji for more than 60 years,” said 90-year-old Murli Manohar Joshi.

Earlier on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the 96-year-old BJP veteran LK Advani would be awarded the Bharat Ratna. Political leaders from all parties also congratulated Advani.

Modi, however, took a jab at the Congress and stated that Advani had persistently fought throughout his life to free India’s democracy from the control of one party and one family.

This is the seventh Bharat Ratna awarded by the Modi government since coming to power in 2014. The list also includes Karpoori Thakur, Madan Mohan Malviya, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Pranab Mukherjee, Bhupen Hazarika, and Nanaji Deshmukh.

Advani stated that the Bharat Ratna is not only an honor for him but also for the ideals and principles he has strived for throughout his life to the best of his abilities.

In a statement, the BJP stalwart humbly accepted the Bharat Ratna. “With utmost humility and gratitude, I accept the Bharat Ratna that has been conferred on me today. It is not only an honor for me as an individual, but also for the ideals and principles that I have dedicated my life to serving to the best of my ability,” said Advani.

Reactions from Other Leaders

BJP national president JP Nadda extended his greetings to Advani and thanked Modi for the announcement. Nadda stated that the announcement brings joy to party workers across the country.

“Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modiji announced the conferring of the Bharat Ratna on our senior and veteran leader, Lal Krishna Advaniji. The announcement brings joy to us,” said Nadda, as quoted by ANI.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his gratitude to the PM for awarding the Bharat Ratna to Advani. Singh stated that the BJP veteran has strengthened the country and democracy through his parliamentary and administrative abilities.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath congratulated Advani, calling him an inspiration to all.

AAP convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also extended his wishes to Advani and prayed for his long life.

Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawar acknowledged Advani’s valuable contribution to the country’s development.

“India’s former Deputy Prime Minister and senior leader, LK Advani, is delighted to be awarded the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian honor. He has made a valuable contribution to the development of the country. Heartiest congratulations,” Pawar posted on X.