"LK Advani is a real son of the soil," says former Karnataka CM Bommai

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], February 3 : After the announcement from Prime Minister Narendra Modi that senior BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani will be conferred the nation's top civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai called him "a real son of the soil."
"It was a matter of pride that former Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani has been conferred the Bharat Ratna award, the highest civilian award," said Basavaraj Bommai.
Lauding the Modi government over the decision to confer the veteran BJP leader with the Bharat Ratna award, he said,"Advani came and settled in Bharat during the India-Pakistan partition. A big compliment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for selecting Advani for the Bharat Ratna award."
Hailing LK Advani for his long journey, Bommai said, "Advani started his public life through Bharatiya Jana Sangh and displayed his patriotism for the country by participating in the Kashmir agitation started by Syam Prakash Mukherjee.
He further recalled his struggle behind the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
"LK Advani emotionally united the people of the country over the Ram Janmbhoomi agitation. Thanks to his efforts, the Ram Mandir, a dream of millions of people, has become a reality," he said.
Basavaraj Bommai praised the veteran BJP leader for his efforts as the former Union Home Minister.
"As Union Home Minister, Advani strengthened the internal security of the nation and made Bharat a strong nation. He is popularly known as the Iron Man of the country," he added.
Recalling LK Advani's close ties with his father, Bommai said, "The former Deputy Prime Minister was very close to my father and would visit our house while in Bengaluru."
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described LK Advani as a "great son" of India and said the decision to award him Bharat Ratna shows that the nation never forgets those who dedicate their lives to its service.
"Today, our country has decided to give 'Bharat Ratna' to its great son, former Deputy Prime Minister Shri Lal Krishna Advaniji. Advaniji's works and services have been inspiring. This honour to Advaniji is a testament to the fact that the nation never forgets those who dedicate their lives in its service. I have been fortunate that I have been continuously receiving the love and guidance of Lal Krishna Advaniji," PM Modi said.