Introduction
Lal Krishna Advani, often referred to as LK Advani, is a prominent Indian politician who has played a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of India. Known for his leadership in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and his tenure in various governmental roles, Advani's career spans several decades and is marked by significant achievements and controversies.
Early Life and Education
Full Name: Lal Krishna Advani
Date of Birth: November 8, 1927
Place of Birth: Karachi, British India (now in Pakistan ,
LK Advani was born in Karachi, which was then part of British India. After the partition of India in 1947, his family moved to India, settling in Mumbai. He completed his early education at Saint Patrick's High School in Karachi. Later, he pursued his higher education at DG National College in Hyderabad, Sindh, and later attended Government Law College in Mumbai.
Physical Attributes
Height:
5 feet 9 inches (175 cm)
Family
Spouse: Kamla Advani (married in 1965; passed away in 2016)
Children: Pratibha Advani (daughter) and Jayant Advani (son)
Parents: Kishanchand D. Advani (father), Gyani Devi (mother)
Political Career
Early Career:
1947: Joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization, which laid the foundation for his future political career.
1951: Became a member of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the political arm of the RSS, which later evolved into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Rise in the BJP
1980: Co-founded the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alongside Atal Bihari Vajpayee and other leaders.
1986-1991: Served as the President of the BJP, during which time he significantly expanded the party's base and influence.
Key Political Roles:
1989-1991: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
1998-2004: Union Minister of Home Affairs in the NDA government led by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
2002-2004: Deputy Prime Minister of India.
Major Contributions and Events:
Ram Janmabhoomi Movement: Advani is best known for his leadership in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, which advocated for the construction of a temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya. His Rath Yatra in 1990 was a significant event that mobilized massive support for the cause but also led to communal tensions and violence.
Electoral Successes: Under his leadership, the BJP emerged as a major political force, achieving significant electoral successes in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Controversies:
Babri Masjid Demolition: Advani faced legal and political challenges due to his involvement in the movement that led to the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992. The event sparked widespread communal riots and remains a contentious issue in Indian politics.
Hawala Scandal: In the mid-1990s, Advani was implicated in the Jain Hawala scandal, although he was later acquitted due to lack of evidence.
Legacy and Influence:
LK Advani is credited with transforming the BJP into a major national party and laying the groundwork for its future successes. His strategic vision and organisational skills were instrumental in the party's rise. Despite controversies, his contributions to Indian politics and governance are widely recognized.
Net Worth
As of recent estimates, LK Advani's net worth is reported to be around INR 1.5 crore (approximately USD 200,000). This includes his earnings from his long political career and various governmental roles.
Personal Life
L.K. Advani was married to Kamla Advani until her death in 2016. They have two children, Pratibha and Jayant. Pratibha Advani is known for her work in television production and media.
Conclusion
Lal Krishna Advani's journey from a young RSS pracharak to a towering figure in Indian politics is a testament to his dedication, strategic acumen, and leadership qualities. His role in shaping the BJP and his influence on India's political discourse are significant. Despite facing several controversies, Advani's contributions to Indian politics and his enduring legacy as a key architect of modern Indian conservatism remain noteworthy. His career was marked by both triumphs and challenges, reflects the complex and evolving nature of Indian democracy.
