Lal Krishna Advani

Lal Krishna Advani Biography: Early Life, Career, Profession, Awards

Lal Krishna Advani, born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi, was a prominent Indian politician and a founding member of the BJP. Know more about his life and career through this article.

Name: Lal Krishna Advani
Born: 08 November, 1927 (age 90) Karachi, Bombay Presidency, British India (now in Sindh, Pakistan)
Died: 29 May 1987 (aged 84) New Delhi, Delhi, India
Political party: Bharatiya Janata Party (1980–present)
Other political affiliations: Bharatiya Jana Sangh (Before 1977); Janata Party (1977–80)
Spouse(s): Kamla Advani (m. 1965–2016)
Alma mater: University of Mumbai
Profession: Politicians, Activist
Awards: Padma Vibhushan – 2015
Bharat Ratna – 2024

Lal Kishanchand Advani (born 8 November 1927, Karachi) known as Lal Krishna Advani is an Indian politician. A former president of the Bharatiya Janata Party, which is currently the major opposition party in the Indian Parliament, he served as the Deputy Prime Minister of India from 2002 to 2004 and was the Leader of the Opposition in the 10th Lok Sabha and 15th Lok Sabha (Lower House of the Indian Parliament).

Advani, who began his political career as a worker of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, is often referred to as the iron man of contemporary India.

Even though AB Vajpayee has been regarded as the face of Bharatiya Janata Party for long, it is Advani who turned the tide in favour of the party. It was his yatra for the construction of Ram Temple that translated into a swing in the BJP’s political fortunes in the 1991 elections.

Advani is known as the man who colored the Indian politics saffron. He served as deputy prime minister in Vajpayee’s government until its defeat in the elections of 2004. Since then he has been leader of the opposition in parliament. But controversy is something that refuses to leave Advani. Whether it is his views on Jinnah or his frequent run-ins with RSS, he has had his share of political storms.

However, there is another side to the BJP’s iron man that few are aware of. He is an avid Bollywood buff and an enthusiast for the writings of Alvin Toffler about the need to adapt to a changing world. Mr Advani also has a reputation for being a strict disciplinarian and a family man.

Free Stock Photos of Lal Krishna Advani

Lal Krishna Advani: Timeline

  • November 8, 1927 – Shri L.K Advani was born in Karachi, in present day Pakistan, to parents Kishenchand and Gyanidevi Advani.
  • 1936 –1942 – Studied at St.Patricks school, Karachi, standing first in every class until matriculation.
  • 1942 – Joined the RSS as a Swayamsevak.
  • 1942 – Joined Dayaram Gidumal National College, Hyderabad, during the Quit India movement.
  • 1944 – Held a job as a teacher in Model High School, Karachi.
  • 12 September, 1947 – Left from Sindh to Delhi by propeller aircraft during Paritition.
  • 1947-1951 – Organised RSS work in Alwar, Bharatpur, Kota, Bundi and Jhalawar as RSS Secretary in the Karachi branch.
  • Early 1957 – Shifted to Delhi to assist Shri. Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
  • 1958-63 – Held the position of Secretary of the Delhi State Jana Sangh.
  • 1960-1967 – Joined the Organiser, a political journal of the Jana Sangh as assistant editor.
  • Feb 25, 1965 – Married Smt. Kamla Advani, with whom he has two children, Pratibha and Jayant.
  • April 1970 – Entered the Rajya Sabha.
  • Dec 1972 – Was elected President of Bharatiya Jana Sangh.
  • 26 June 1975 – Was Arrested in Bangalore during Emergency period and taken to Bangalore Central Jail along with other BJS members.
  • March 1977 to July 1979 – Held the position of Union minister for Information and Broadcasting. May 1986- Became Party President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
  • 1980-86 – Held the position of General Secretary of the BJP.
  • May 1986 – Was announced as party President of the BJP.
  • 3 March 1988 – Was re-elected party President of the BJP.
  • 1988 – Held the position of Home Minister in the BJP Government.
  • 1990 – Began the Ram Rath Yatra from Somnath to Ayodhya.
  • 1997 – Began the Swarna Jayanti Rath Yatra to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of India’s Independence.
  • Oct 1999 – May 2004 – Union Cabinet Minister, Home Affairs
  • Jun 2002 – May 2004 – Deputy Prime Minister

Yatras:

A procession. A journey. A pilgrimage. A word that symbolises an ancient Indian tradition that has evolved over the millennia.

  • Ram Rath Yatra
  • Janadesh Yatra
  • Bharat Suraksha Yatra
  • Swarna Jayanti Rath Yatra
  • Bharat Uday Yatra

Lal Krishna Advani: Profession

Here is the list of different roles or positions L.K. Advani served during his career:

PROFESSION TENURE
Secretary, RSS Karachi wing 1947
Member, Bharatiya Jana Sangh 1951
Leader, Bharatiya Jan Sangh 1966 – 1967
Member, Rajya Sabha (Delhi) 1970 – 1976
President, Bharatiya Jana Sangh 1973
Member, Rajya Sabha (Gujarat) 1976 – 1982
Joined Janata Party after dissolution of Jana Sangh 1977
Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Jan 1980 – Apr 1980
General Secretary, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) 1980 – 1986
Re-elected to Rajya Sabha (3rd term) 1982
President, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) 1986 – 1991
Re-elected to Rajya Sabha (4th term) 1988
Elected to 9th Lok Sabha 1989
Leader, BJP’s Parliamentary Party (Lok Sabha) 1989 – 1991
Chairman, Review Committee, Lok Sabha Secretariat 1990 – 1991
Elected to 10th Lok Sabha 1991
Leader of the Opposition (Lok Sabha) 1991 – 1993
President, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) 1993 – 1998
Elected to 12th Lok Sabha 1998
Union Cabinet Minister of Home Affairs (1st term) 1998 – 1999
Re-elected to 13th Lok Sabha 1999
Union Cabinet Minister of Home Affairs (2nd term) Oct 1999 – May 2004
Deputy Prime Minister June 29 2002 – May 2004
Union Cabinet Minister of Personnel, Pensions & Public Grievances July 1, 2002 – August 25, 2002
Elected to 14th Lok Sabha 2004
Member, Committee on Home Affairs Aug 5, 2006 – May 2009
Re-elected to 15th Lok Sabha 2009
Leader of Opposition (Lok Sabha) May 2009 – December 2009
Member, Committee on Installation of Statues / Portraits of National Leaders & Parliamentarians of Parliament House Complex Aug 4, 2009
Member, Committee of Home Affairs Aug 31, 2009
Member, Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Maintenance of Heritage Character & Development of Parliament House Complex Dec 15, 2009
Elected to 16th Lok Sabha 2014

Later Years and Retirement:

Advani’s tenure in office was marked by numerous accolades and challenges. Despite his contributions to Indian politics, he faced setbacks, including the BJP’s defeat in the 2009 general elections. In 2019, he chose to step away from electoral politics, marking the end of an illustrious career spanning decades.

Legacy and Impact:

Lal Krishna Advani’s legacy extends far beyond his political achievements. He is remembered as a visionary leader who played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of Indian politics. His commitment to nationalist ideals and dedication to public service continue to inspire generations of leaders and citizens alike.

Awards and Recognition:

L.K. Advani has been conferred with the following awards by Government of India:

      • Padma Vibhushan – 2015
      • Bharat Ratna – 2024

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