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Modi govt bestows Bharat Ratna on Vajpayee, Malaviya

NEW DELHI: The government today announced to confer the country’s highest civilian award on former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and late freedom fighter Madan Mohan Malaviya.

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Tribune News Service

 

New Delhi, December 24

The government today announced to confer the country’s highest civilian award on former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and late freedom fighter Madan Mohan Malaviya.

“The President has been pleased to award Bharat Ratna to Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya (posthumously) and to Atal Bihari Vajpayee," a Rashtrapati Bhavan press communique said.

The decision has been announced a day before the BJP-led NDA government plans to celebrate Vajpayee’s 90th birthday by marking “Good Governance Day”, a day when the country will also observe the 153rd birth anniversary of Malaviya, the founder of the Banaras Hindu University.

Last year, when the Manmohan Singh government decided to bestow the honour on scientist CNR Rao and cricket-idol Sachin Tendulkar, the BJP criticised the Congress for ignoring Vajpayee. Today's announcement takes the number of awardees to 45.

The decision was welcomed by the Congress and other parties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said it was a matter of delight that Malaviya and Vajpayee were being conferred with the Bharat Ratna.

“The country’s highest honour to these illustrious stalwarts is a fitting recognition of their service to the nation. Malaviya is remembered as a phenomenal scholar and freedom fighter who lit the spark of national consciousness among people. Atal ji means so much to everyone — a guide, inspiration and giant among giants. His contribution to India is invaluable,” Modi said.

Vajpayee, a quintessential politician who has appeal and friends across the political spectrum, remains out of public glare ever since his health deteriorated in the mid-2000. He served as the Prime Minister in three spells — a 13-day period in 1996, then for slightly over a year in 1998-99 and for a full term between 1999 and 2004.

Known for his oratory skills, Vajpayee was also famous for his wit and had a way with words that he used to great effect. One of the facets of his personality was his ability to get along with different shades of opinion. The consensus-style of work became his hallmark as he wielded power gently to make the 23-party NDA coalition work as a team.

Having the distinction of becoming the first PM outside the Congress to have completed the tenure, Vajpayee was under attack from across the world for his decision to make the country go nuclear in 1998. Yet, India managed to stave off the international sanctions even as he pushed for establishing good relations with neighbours, especially Pakistan, that received international recognition.

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