{
  "id": 18826052,
  "title": "Narendra Modi writes: ‘He gave the party a clear foundation rooted in the principle of Nation First’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/narendra-modi-writes-he-gave-the-party-a-clear-foundation-rooted-in-18826052",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-08T00:03:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/narendra-modi-remembers-lk-advani-hundredth-birth-anniversary-10955096/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Shri Lal Krishna Advani Ji celebrated his 100th birthday on November 8th. Today, coincidentally, marks Diwali, a festival that commemorates Prince Shri Ram and the Diya. Advani Ji, born on this day in 1927, has touched numerous chapters of modern India. After experiencing the pain of leaving Sindh in 1947, he rebuilt his life and remained steadfast in his ability to build from scratch despite adversity. This trait was evident when he strengthened the Jana Sangh and later built the BJP. His tenure as BJP president saw Congress's decline from 400 seats to below 200 in 1989 and the BJP becoming the single largest party for the first time in 1996. Advani Ji nurtured generations of party workers and established the BJP's foundation on the principle of 'Nation First.' He was known for his ideological clarity and intellectual sharpness, evident in his speeches, writings, and incisive interviews. Advani Ji's leadership was marked by his unwavering opposition to pseudo-secularism propagated by sections of Indian polity. His collaboration with Atal Ji exemplifies their remarkable partnership. Together, they transformed Indian politics. Advani Ji's journey began in 1967 when he became the chairman of the Delhi Metropolitan Council. He later entered Parliament and served as an MP and Leader of Opposition in both Houses. Despite his parliamentary duties, he frequently traveled India, meeting people. In 1991, during the Lok Sabha elections, Advani Ji contested from Gandhinagar, a place with deep personal connections. His dedication to his constituency is exemplary, as seen during the Emergency when he worked tirelessly to save democracy and protect the Constitution. His book, 'A Prisoner’s Scrap-Book,' captures his experiences during this period. Advani Ji's leadership extended to becoming Minister for Information and Broadcasting under the Janata Government in 1977 and Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister later on. His work during these roles significantly strengthened India’s security apparatus. Advani Ji's commitment to the Ram Temple, symbolizing his ideological conviction, culminated in the inauguration of the grand Mandir in Ayodhya. Though his journey has many more noteworthy aspects, his simplicity and probity in public life remain exemplary.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}