Controversy Over Bharat Ratna for Advani Given His Record
-
Advani's early political career was unremarkable and undeserving of high honors like the Bharat Ratna.
-
His promotion of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition unleashed dangerous communal forces.
-
As deputy PM under Vajpayee, he failed in his duties during the 2002 Gujarat riots and undermined Vajpayee.
-
His later prime ministerial ambitions were strongly rebuffed by his party and he was politically finished by 2009.
-
The Bharat Ratna for Advani likely represents Modi paying back past political debts, diminishing the prestige of the honor.