New Delhi: Born on November 8, 1927 in Karachi (now in Pakistan), former Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani (LK Advani) turns 97 today. One of the co-founders and a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Advani is often credited for setting up the base of the party, what it is today.
Advani, who was conferred with India’s highest civilian award Bharat Ratna in 2024, is also popular as man of ‘Rath Yatras’ within the party circles and beyond. For the records, let us tell you that Advani embarked on about six major yatras in a span of 20 years – from 1990 to 2011 and setting up the base for broad mass support base of BJP, that it enjoys today.
Today, as LK Advani turns 97-year-old, lets have a look at prominent ‘yatras’ that Advani took—-
Ram Rath Yatra (1990): LK Advani embarked on this Rath Yatra from Somnath in Gujarat on September 25, 1990, which concluded at Ayodhya on October 30, 1990. Advani was arrested by then Bihar CM Lalu Yatra as it entered the state.
Janadesh Yatra (1993): Starting on September 11, 1993, this yatra had four processions each starting from different parts of the country. Advani took command of the yatra that originated from Mysore in Karnataka. All the these yatras covered about 14 states and two UTs with the aims of generating public support against two proposed legislative amendments – The Constitution (80th Amendment) Bill and the Representation of People (Amendment) Bill. All these yatras culminated in Bhopal on September 25, 1993.
Swarna Jayanti Rath Yatra (1997): Advani spearheaded this procession from May to July 1997 to mark the 50th anniversary of India’s Independence. This yatra was carried out with the aims of highlighting the BJP’s commitment to good governance and strengthen its image among the people of the country.
Bharat Uday Yatra (2004): This was launched ahead of the 2004 general elections to garner support for the party.
Bharat Suraksha Yatra (2006): It was launched April 6, 2006, and ended on May 10, 2006, with the aim of protest against the Left-wing terrorism, minority politics and corruption. The one part of the yataa (from Dwarka in Gujarat to Delhi) was led by LK Advani, while the another segment (from Puri to Delhi) was headed by Rajnath Singh.
Jan Chetna Yatra (2011): This was the last major campaign led by Advani on October 11, 2011 (from Sitab Diara in Bihar). The yatra aimed at mobilising people’s opinion against the alleged corruption and scams during the UPA government at Centre.
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