leaders cutting across party lines hail decision to honour Vajpayee
In a befitting gift to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on the eve of his 90th birthday, the NDA Government on Wednesday decided to honour him with the country’s highest civilian award — the Bharat Ratna. Freedom fighter and educationist Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya will also get the award, albeit posthumously. Incidentally, it is also the 153rd birth anniversary of Malaviya on Thursday.
“The President has been pleased to award Bharat Ratna to Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya (posthumously) and to Atal Bihari Vajpayee,” a Press communiqué from Rashtrapati Bhavan said. Given Vajpayee’s charismatic personality and popularity and his approach to consensual politics, the nation rose over political and ideological divide to hail the decision, and even BJP’s bitterest critics complimented the Government for the move.
“Bharat Ratna being conferred on Pt Madan Mohan Malaviya and Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee is a matter of great delight. Country’s highest honour to these illustrious stalwarts is a fitting recognition of their service to the nation. Pt Madan Mohan Malaviya is remembered as a phenomenal scholar and freedom fighter, who lit the spark of national consciousness among people. Atalji means so much to everyone. A guide, inspiration and giant among giants. His contribution to India is invaluable,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a statement after the announcement. It is learnt the recommendations for Bharat Ratna was made by the Prime Minister to the President.
Malaviya was the man behind establishment of Banaras Hindu University. Born on December 25, 1861, Malviya was president of Indian National Congress in 1909 and 1918. He was one of the initial leaders of the right-wing Hindu Maha Sabha.
Vajpayee was Prime Minister from 1998 to 2004. A great orator, poet and a statesman, Vajpayee is out of public gaze now due to age-related illness. Several BJP and Shiv Sena leaders had demanded that the top honour for Vajpayee. In fact, last year, when the UPA Government announced Bharat Ratna for former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and scientist CNR Rao, the BJP had been vocal against Congress ignoring Vajpayee’s contribution to the nation. When in power, the party used the very first opportunity to give the leader his due.
Vajpayee’s party colleague lK Advani was elated with the Government’s decision. “I am very happy that Government has decided to honour Atalji with Bharat Ratna,” he said.
Describing Vajpayee as one of the greatest communicators India has ever seen, Union Minister Arun Jaitley said he made his presence felt at the national level and was committed to peace in Southeast Asia. “Vajpayee ji has been one of the most outstanding Prime Ministers and leaders of India in the post-Independence era. He believed in taking the country forward toward consensus,” Jaitley said.
“We welcome the announcement. 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,” Congress general secretary Ajay Maken. Congress leader Anand Sharma said Vajpayee was a “reconciler” and believed in India’s pluralism, economic development and infrastructure building. “He is one person who actually represents the refreshing change when compared to the divisive agenda of religious extremism. Vajpayee is one of those Indian leaders, who are definitely admired across the political spectrum,” Sharma said.
JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar congratulated Vajpayee. "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," Nitish Kumar said. Hailing the news, JD(U) president Sharad Yadav said: "I am very pleased with this announcement. Malaviya had a great role in Indian Independence and he established a great institution like Banaras Hindu University. I have been associated with Atal ji for many years and even being in BJP he respected the composite culture of India."
leaving aside her political differences with the BJP in the Centre, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee welcomed the decision. "We all love and respect Vajpayeeji," said Banerjee, who had served as a Minister in the Vajpayee Cabinet.
Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi recollected his experience with the former PM saying: "When Vajpayee was the PM, even if he was in a different party he helped me. I am also personally grateful to him."
"Atalji is a living legend. He is not only a leader but a statesman...I think he is recognised as a great leader of Modern India worldwide. I think the whole world will welcome this move," said Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Justice Giridhar Malaviya, grandson of Madan Mohan Malviya, said both Vajpayee and Malviya are respected by all sections. "I congratulate Modi who was the first person to go to Varanasi and garland the statue of Malaviya ji," he said while adding that the UPA should have taken this decision. "These are the two persons who were absolutely controversy-less. They were respected by all in the country," he added.
NRI industrialist lord Swaraj Paul said the honour was overdue. "Vajpayee was the first Prime Minister of India who successfully ran a coalition Government. His style, whether initially as External Affairs Minister and then Prime Minister was always down to earth. He is an outstanding statesman and a great human being, known for his honesty and principles. He not only carried his coalition partners with him but also carried the people of India and won great admiration," Paul said.
"I think he deserves to be honoured in every possible way because in many ways he was a very great statesman of the country and one doesn't have to agree with every bit of his policy to appreciate the human quality that was behind his Prime Ministerial leadership," said Nobel laureate Amartya Sen, who is also a Bharat Ratna recipient.