The Narendra Modi led NDA government is likely to announce highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. According to the government sources, an official announcement might arrive on December 25th which also happens to Vajpayee's birthday and he will be turning 90. BJP which has earlier said, that it would confer Vajpayee with highest civilian award if voted into power, is looking to take a decision on this.
Meanwhile, Vajpayee is getting support from other parties too. BJP's Maharashtra ally Shiv Sena backed Bharat Ratna to Vajpayee and praised his contribution to the nation. BJP was slightly upset with UPA government when it announced Bharat Ratna to cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and scientist CNR Rao.
In 2004, then NDA government awarded Bharat Ratna to singer Lata Mangeshkar, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Amartya Sen, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Gopinath Bordoloi and Jayaprakash Narayan. This time only one person is likely to get Bharat Ratna and if everything falls in its place, the government may bestow its first Bharat Ratna on January 26th.
- TVR
