In March this year, the stalwart politician, who led the Ayodhya Ram Mandir movement, was conferred with Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour. The medal was awarded by President Droupadi Murmu to Advani at his residence and the ceremony was attended by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Ministthe er Amit Shah, and Advani's family members.
The BJP veteran had skipped the inauguration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in January this year due to freezing weather and old age.
Advani is the longest serving president of the BJP since the party was formed. He first held the position in 1986 till 1990 succeeding Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
He also served as the leader of opposition during the first term of the UPA with Manmohan Singh as the Prime Minister.