From Partition to Rath Yatra: How Adwani Shaped Modi’s Political Journey

On 8 November, senior BJP leader Lal Krishna Adwani turned 99, a milestone that Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked with a special article and a celebratory message on X. The Prime Minister used the occasion to illustrate how Adwani’s life story intersected with key moments in modern Indian politics and, more personally, with his own rise.

Modi recounted that Adwani’s early struggle to overcome the horrors of Partition instilled a resilience that later helped him rebuild his life and the nation’s political fabric. This same resilient spirit propelled Adwani to fortify the Jana Sangh, later laying the groundwork for the BJP’s emergence as a dominant party.

The article underscored Adwani’s decisive actions during the Emergency, his leadership of the extensive Rath Yatra from Somnath to Ayodhya, and his long tenure in government where he advocated for democratic values. Each of these chapters, Modi noted, served as a learning platform for the young leader.

Beyond public service, Modi highlighted Adwani’s passion for reading, cinema, and writing, portraying him as a multifaceted personality who influenced cultural discourse as well. The timing of his birthday with Diwali, the 75th anniversary of the Jana Sangh, the RSS’s centennial, and Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee’s 125th birth anniversary, added layers of historic significance.

On a personal note, Modi described how Adwani “held his hand and taught him the nuances of politics,” acting as a mentor who provided steady guidance through every challenge. The Prime Minister concluded with a Sanskrit invocation, wishing Adwani a hundred prosperous years and expressing gratitude for the enduring inspiration he provides.