Appreciating the announcement of Bharat Ratnas for former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and educationist Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, political leaders cut across party lines to say that both were deserving of the same.
"Atal Bihari Vajpayee still rules the heart of millions of people. Last time also we had demanded that he should be given the Bharat Ratna. He is the true gem of India, full of good qualities and there is so much of devotion and respect in him, the country never viewed him bounded with fear. He is a successful leader and a great patriot. He was the true deserver of the Bharat Ratna," said Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan after meeting Vajpayee.
"Along with him the great Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya has also been awarded with the Bharat Ratna not only fought for freedom but he also established Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi after collecting money from the entire country. Both great leaders have been awarded the Bharat Ratna and we are very proud of them," Chouhan added.
Trinamool Congress (TMC) Derek O'Brien described Vajpayee as a giant among giants.
"He is loved, respected across the country and across the world; there couldn't have been a better choice. He is truly a giant among giants," said O'Brien after meeting Vajpayee.
"West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has herself said today how very happy she is because she has had the pleasure and the privilege of working with him, they go back a long way. In fact many years ago when he came to Kolkata he visited her Calicut residence and spent some time there with her and her mother when she was alive," he added.
The announcement of Bharat Ratnas was made by the office of the President of India this morning.