Advani turns 91, PM meets the BJP veteran

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader LK Advani at his residence here and wished him on his 91st birthday.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi tweeted, "Best wishes to Shri LK Advani Ji on his birthday. Advani Ji's contribution towards India's development is monumental. His ministerial tenures are applauded for futuristic decision making and people-friendly policies. His wisdom is admired across the political spectrum."

The Prime Minister went on to say, "Shri LK Advani Ji's impact on Indian politics is immense. Selflessly and diligently, he built the @BJP4India and wonderfully mentored Karyakartas. I pray for the good health and long life of our beloved Advani Ji."

 

Besides the Prime Minister, Congress president Rahul Gandhi also wished Advani on birthday.

"Happy Birthday to LK Advani. I wish him good health, long life, and happiness of the mind," Gandhi wrote on Facebook.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh also wished the BJP leader, praising his contribution to the party.

"Wishing one of the stalwarts of Indian politics, Shri Lal Krishna Advaniji a warm and happy birthday. He has nurtured the @BJP4India from its inception. Advaniji is an inspiration to millions of party karyakartas. May he be blessed with good health and a long life," Singh said on Twitter.

"Heartiest birthday greetings to LK Advani Ji. AdvaniJi, I respectfully wish you good health and happiness," wrote West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Twitter.

Born on November 8, 1927 in Karachi, he was also the Minister of Home Affairs in the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government from 1998 to 2004.

Advani also served as the Deputy Prime Minister under Atal Bihari Vajpayee from 2002 to 2004.

He is one of the co-founders and a senior leader of the BJP.

He began his political career as a volunteer of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). In 2015, Advani was awarded the Padma Vibhushan - India's second highest civilian honour.