BJP veterans Lal Krishna Advani and Sushma Swaraj have expressed their happiness over former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee being conferred with the country's highest civilian honour Bharat Ratna.
"I am very happy that the government has honoured Atal ji with Bharat Ratna on occasion of his 90th Birthday," said Advani.
Sharing similar sentiments, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said she prayed for Vajpayee's long life.
"We pray for his long life and good health," said Sushma.
Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad termed the honour for Vajpayee as a moment of pride and happiness.
"It is a moment of pride and happiness for all of us," said Prasad.
In a statement issued earlier today, President Pranab Mukherjee's office confirmed that former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and freedom fighter and educationist Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya will be honoured with the Bharat Ratna for their services to the nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his delight earlier today over the bestowing of the Bharat Ratna for Vajpayee and Pt. Malaviya, saying it was a fitting recognition for their services to the nation.
