BJP leader L K Advani turns octogenarian

New Delhi, Nov 8: Scores of political leaders and admirers thronged the residence of Leader of Opposition L K Advani to greet him on his birthday as he turned an octogenarian today.

Havans and special poojas were performed at Mr Advani's official residence at Prithviraj Road to commemorate the occasion. Born in 1927 in Karachi, Mr Advani has been one of the strong pillars of Bharatiya Janata Party and its previous avatar the Bharatiya Jana Sangh along with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and headed both outfits. He became Deputy Prime Minister during the NDA regime.

Several national leaders including President A P J Abdul Kalam, Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee had sent bouquet of flowers to convey their birthday wishes.

Among those who personally visited Mr Advani to wish him include BJP President Rajnath Singh, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, former Delhi Chief Minister Sahib Singh Verma and BJP General Secretary Ananth Kumar.

UNI