Cutting across party lines, political leaders today welcomed Government's decision to confer Bharat Ratna, the nation's highest civilian honour, on former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and freedom fighter Madan Mohan Malviya.
While Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the award to the "illustrious stalwarts" of the nation was a "fitting recognition" of their service to the nation, Congress welcomed the move and hoped that the NDA government will follow the path of 'Raj Dharam' and secularism shown by them.
"Bharat Ratna being conferred on Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya & Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee is a matter of great delight," Modi tweeted soon after the announcement of the country's highest civilian honour being bestowed on them.
"Country's highest honour to these illustrious stalwarts is a fitting recognition of their service to the nation," he added in another tweet.
Congress General Secretary and in-charge of media communication Ajay Maken said, "to a certain extent, both represent the Indian thought which is secular and tolerant."
"We hope that this present government will walk in the path shown by these leaders," Maken told reporters here.
Noting that Vajpayee had talked about 'Raj Dharam', Maken said he hopes that the Modi government will keep that in mind and follow it.
Vajpayee's long-time political colleague L K Advani said he was happy with the government decision to bestow the highest civilian award to the former Prime Minister. "I am very happy that Government has decided to honour Atalji with Bharat Ratna."
JD(U) leader and former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar congratulated Vajpayee and said the UPA government should have conferred the award on the former Prime Minister.
"Atalji's contribution to the country will always be remembered. I congratulate him. We also wanted Bharat Ratna for Atalji. The UPA government should have given this award to him," he said.
