BJP chief Nitin Nabin asks opposition to follow LK Advani's approach to national security

NEW DELHI: BJP president Nitin Nabin on Sunday urged opposition parties to learn from veteran leader and former deputy prime minister L K Advani, saying political parties should stand together with the government whenever the country faces a challenge related to national security.Speaking at a special event at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi to mark Advani's 100th birthday, Nabin recalled the veteran leader's stand in Parliament when the BJP was in the Opposition.“Whenever he spoke in Parliament, he always said that the BJP will be with the government on issues related to the country's security despite being in the Opposition. As a Leader of the Opposition, he said very clearly that the entire Opposition would be with the government when it came to the country. This is something people need to learn even today,” Nabin said.He described Advani as an inspiration for BJP workers and said his commitment to the nation-first ideology had helped shape the party's growth.Nabin recalls Advani's partnership with VajpayeeNabin said Advani and former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had different temperaments and personalities, but their ability to work together towards a common goal was unparalleled.He credited the two leaders with laying the foundation for the BJP's expansion from a party with just two Lok Sabha MPs, saying their determination helped the organisation overcome uncertainty in its early years.“As India moves forward into the 21st century, the Bharatiya Janata Party is also moving ahead with its expansion and development. The BJP is working to take forward both the heritage of this country and the legacy of the party,” he said.Nabin also described Advani as an example of the dignity, probity and sensitivity that politics should uphold.“I could not get an opportunity to work with him, but what I have heard from others who worked with him tells me that Advani's life has been an inspiration for everyone in BJP,” he said.He added that Advani had demonstrated immense dedication to the nation despite having experienced the pain of Partition.“He could take even hard decisions with simplicity,” Nabin said.Ram Rath Yatra and Ayodhya temple recalledRecalling Advani's role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, Nabin referred to the veteran leader's Ram Rath Yatra, which was stopped at Samastipur in Bihar.He said the slogan “We will build the temple right there” had been raised by BJP workers and crores of people across the country. Although the yatra was halted in Bihar, kar sevaks carried forward Advani's mission, he said.Nabin credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with taking that journey forward, pointing to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya as a moment to remember Advani's contribution.“Today, as the country witnesses the magnificent Shri Ram Temple standing in Ayodhya, it is a moment for all of us to honour and remember Shri Advani Ji's historic journey,” he said.Piyush Goyal recalls personal associationSenior Union minister and BJP treasurer Piyush Goyal also recalled his association with Advani, saying the veteran leader never made others feel the weight of his seniority or influence.He said party workers fondly called Advani 'dada' and that the leader had always treated him like a family member, addressing him by his nickname, 'Happy'.“Advani only thought about taking the country and taking the party forward with complete selflessness,” Goyal said, while wishing him a long life.“We all wish that this country continues to get a leader like Lal Krishna Advani,” he added.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.