The proposal to confer Bharat Ratna to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has been widely welcomed in the country. .
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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) thanked the government for this move.
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"It is an absolute good news for crores of Indians today that Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who has contributed hugely to Indian politics will be conferred with the prestigious Bharat Ratna award. We are thankful to the government and the people are rejoicing today," BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said.
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"It is not just for the BJP, but the entire country is happy. When he will get the Bharat Ratna then the entire nation will celebrate," added BJP leader Siddharth Nath Singh.
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Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit on his part showered praise on the former prime minister and called him a statesman.
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"Atal ji is a man held in great respect by large number of Indians. He is a statesman. We once again congratulate Atal ji and his entire family," he said.
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According to sources, President Pranab Mukherjee will be conferring the honour to the former prime minister on March 27.
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The Rashtrapati Bhavan had, via a press communique, earlier in December stated that President Mukherjee will be conferring the Bharat Ratna to Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya (posthumously) and to Vajpayee.
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The Bharat Ratna is the country's highest civilian award.
