Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Nitin Nabin on Sunday, 8 November 2026, personally visited the residence of Bharat Ratna Lal Krishna Advani to extend birthday greetings as the party patriarch entered his 100th year. The visit, which coincided with Diwali, was accompanied by Union Minister Piyush Goyal and BJP general secretary B. L. Santosh, both of whom wished Advani good health and a long life.

Nabin's Tribute on X

Sharing photographs from the visit on his X handle, Nabin paid tribute to Advani's decades-long public career. 'From the horrors of Partition to the journey of nation-building, Advani ji's public life has exemplified the idea of ‘Nation First’ and an unwavering commitment to it,' he wrote. He further noted that Advani's guiding philosophy of 'Nation First, Party Next, Self Last' would remain a cornerstone of the BJP's organisational culture and an enduring inspiration for its workers.

Party Celebrations at BJP Headquarters

Earlier in the day, the BJP organised a puja and havan at its headquarters in New Delhi to mark Advani's 99th birthday. Several party leaders gathered to acknowledge his contributions to India's democracy and polity. The event was framed as both a birthday commemoration and a moment to reflect on Advani's formative role in shaping the party and the country's political landscape.

Advani's Legacy: Rath Yatra to Ram Temple

Addressing the headquarters event, Nabin drew a direct line from Advani's historic Rath Yatra to the construction of the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya. 'The journey from his historic rath yatra to the construction of the magnificent Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya is a saga of the resolve and struggle of millions of devotees of Lord Ram,' he said. He added that the dream Advani had championed ultimately came to fruition under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Goyal's Remarks

Union Minister Piyush Goyal also paid his respects at the event, describing Advani as an extraordinary figure marked by unwavering loyalty to the nation, steadfastness in conviction, and lifelong dedication to his organisation. The gathering underscored the BJP's continued effort to honour its founding-era leaders even as the party charts its current course under newer leadership.

Advani, who served as Deputy Prime Minister from 2002 to 2004 and remains one of the principal architects of the BJP's national rise, was awarded the Bharat Ratna — India's highest civilian honour — in recognition of his contributions to public life. His entry into the 100th year of his life marks a rare milestone for any figure in Indian political history.