Lal Krishna Advani, born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi, was a prominent Indian politician and a founding member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He played a key role in popularizing and strengthening the BJP, which emerged as a significant political force in India. Advani served as the Deputy Prime Minister of India from 2002 to 2004 and made significant contributions to Indian politics throughout his career, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
Born on November 8, 1927, in Karachi, British India, Lal Krishna Advani hails from a Sindhi Hindu family. His educational journey began at St. Patrick’s High School in Karachi, followed by D.G. National College in Hyderabad, Sindh. Following the partition of India, his family migrated to Bombay, where he completed his law degree from the Government Law College, Bombay University.
Lal Krishna Advani hailed from a family with modest beginnings. His father, Kishinchand, and mother, Gyanidevi, provided the foundation of his upbringing. Growing up, he shared a close bond with his younger sister, Sheela. In their household, there was a horse-driven Victoria, which might have appeared as a symbol of status to others, but to Advani, it sparked a sense of curiosity and wonder during his formative years.
Advani enrolled with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1941 when he was just fourteen years old. He took on the role of a pracharak, dedicating himself full-time to organizing shakhas, and later assumed the position of secretary for the Karachi unit in 1947. Following the partition of India, Advani served as a pracharak in Rajasthan, operating in various districts including Alwar, Bharatpur, Kota, Bundi, and Jhalawar until 1952.
In 1980, Advani played a pivotal role in the formation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alongside Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The party emerged as a formidable political force under his leadership, championing Hindu nationalist ideals and advocating for a more prominent role for India on the global stage.
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 |
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.
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.
L.K. Advani has been conferred with the following awards by Government of India:
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