Leaders from across political parties welcome Bharat Ratna announcements

New Delhi, February 9

Leaders cutting across party lines welcomed the announcement of Bharat Ratna for PV Narasimha Rao, Chaudhary Charan Singh and MS Swaminathan on Friday and said they deserved the honour.

Asked about the announcement, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, “I see it positively. The truth is that they should have been honoured long ago but, for the first time, a government has thought about it.”

He said the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) always rises above party politics while taking such decisions.

BJP leader and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also welcomed the announcement.

“I thank the Prime Minister. The awards have been given to people who have contributed to the country’s development,” he said.

Congress leader Rajeev Shukla, however, said the BJP-led Centre is honouring former prime minister PV Narasimha Rao, while it has also brought a “white paper” on the economy during the government of Manmohan Singh, who was the finance minister under Rao.

“We welcome the announcement, they deserve it. Rao made immense contribution in improving the country’s economy. Manmohan Singhji was in his cabinet. On one hand, they are giving Bharat Ratna to Rao while on the other, they are bringing a white paper against the government of Manmohan Singh, who had implemented the economic reforms brought by Rao,” Shukla said.

“Charan Singh was a big farmer leader and Swaminathan was a prominent agriculture scientist. We welcome the awards,” he added.

Janata Dal (United) MP Rajeev Ranjan Singh described the recipients of the country’s highest civilian honour as the true gems of India.