Veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Lal Krishna Advani, who has been a significant figure in Indian politics for decades, was discharged from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi on Thursday. The 96-year-old former deputy prime minister was admitted to AIIMS late Wednesday night for issues related to old age, according to a hospital official.
“Advani was admitted for old age-related issues and has been discharged,” the AIIMS official said, providing a sense of relief to his wide base of followers and well-wishers.
Having been a central figure in Indian politics, Advani’s hospitalization naturally garnered wide media attention. His admission took place around 10:30 pm on Wednesday, and he was housed in the old private ward of AIIMS. A multidisciplinary team of doctors, including specialists in urology and geriatric medicine, evaluated him thoroughly. It is understood that he underwent a minor medical procedure during his stay at the prestigious medical institution.
Advani’s recent hospitalization has once again highlighted the realities faced by aging political leaders who have spent their entire lives in the service of the nation. While the official statement from the hospital has been reassuring, emphasizing that he has been discharged following the appropriate medical care, it underscores the general vulnerability associated with aging, even for someone of his stature.
Advani’s career has seen both extraordinary influence and notable controversy. As one of the founding members of the BJP, he played a crucial role in building the party from its early days into the political powerhouse it is today. His leadership was especially pivotal during the party’s rapid ascent in the 1990s. Advani’s Rath Yatra in 1990 is often cited as a turning point in Indian politics, fueling the BJP’s national prominence.
Politically, his tenure as deputy prime minister under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led government (1998-2004) was marked by significant reforms and decisions. Many credit Advani with being a master strategist, whose political acumen and organizational capabilities helped the BJP navigate various challenges and emerge stronger.
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However, his political journey hasn’t been without controversy. The Babri Masjid demolition in 1992 remains one of the most contentious episodes linked to his career. The event had far-reaching consequences for Indian politics and social harmony, and Advani’s involvement garnered both staunch support and severe criticism. Yet, despite the polarizing aspects of his political life, he remains a respected figure across different factions of the BJP.
In recent years, Advani has taken a step back from the frontlines of politics, especially after the rise of the new leadership under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah. Despite this, his influence and legacy within the party remain intact. He continues to be a source of inspiration for many within the BJP, and his views are often sought on various issues concerning the party and the nation.
The AIIMS official’s statement about Advani’s condition was brief but it reflected the standard care approach in such scenarios: “Advani was admitted for old age-related issues and has been discharged.” This comment indicates that the former deputy prime minister has not been dealing with any emergent health crisis but rather the typical health concerns that accompany advanced age.
For many Indians, particularly those who have seen the BJP evolve from its inception, Advani’s health is a matter of personal concern. Social media platforms were flooded with messages wishing him a speedy recovery, showcasing the deep admiration and respect he commands across generations.
In the broader scope of Indian society, the health and wellness of elder statesmen like Advani serve as important reminders of the human aspects of political life. Leaders who have shaped a nation’s destiny, like any other individuals, face health challenges and require medical care and support.
As politics moves forward and new leaders emerge, the contributions of veterans like LK Advani serve as guiding beacons. The recent episode at AIIMS is a poignant reminder of not just his age but also his enduring legacy in Indian politics.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited and remains published from PTI)
