If the prize for Advani was a reaffirmation of the ‘Kamandal’ core of the BJP, then the award for Karpoori Thakur was a recognition of the significance of ‘Mandal’ politics. If Karpoori Thakur had to be brought back to the public consciousness for expeditious electoral purposes, Advani’s induction into the Ratna pantheon was an expression of gratitude.
This was not limited to the fact that Advani, among other things, had prevented the removal of his government in Gujarat during the 2002 riots, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to accept Advani’s contribution to his own political ascent. Every politician has experienced both wasted opportunities and avoided tragedies in their lifetime. Speculating on their effects would be pointless since they are a natural element of life’s inherent unpredictability and uncertainty.
Source: Business Today
Advani may have ultimately lost out on the nation’s most important political post as a result, but by then he had accomplished a great deal to secure his place in modern history.The highest civilian award has been given to him in recognition of the status. Advani spearheaded the Ram temple movement with his Rath Yatra, laying the foundation for Hindutva philosophy and practice to become the dominant storyline of the nation’s politics.
Advani’s 1991 yatra from Someshwar to Ayodhya had a greater historical impact on the country than any previous yatra since Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi Yatra. He turned the temple into a powerful emblem. The agitation culminated in this year’s temple consecration and assisted the BJP in ascending to power, initially through alliances and subsequently on its own at the federal level and in numerous states. When Modi said that the temple was the centre of India’s nationhood, it was obvious that it was an attempt to distort the country’s image.
Source: India Today
Advani is the ‘Ratna’ of that India; however, Narendra Modi has to sort out the specifics. Advani shaped the political climate in which Modi grew up and eventually became the person he is today. The honour was political rather than personal; it is a “tribute” from Modi, who changed, to Advani, who stayed the same.This highlights once more how powerful governments politicise national honours and prizes. It’s also instructive to see how it was met. Mallikarjun Kharge, the president of the Congress, and a few other opposition leaders praised Advani’s honour. Does that imply that they thought it appropriate to recognize him for the politics he engaged in, or was the congratulatory message merely an act of goodwill?
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