BJP, Shiv Sena call for Bharat Ratna to Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena leaders on Wednesday called for conferring the Bharat Ratna to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Veteran BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi said that no one deserves Bharat Ratna more than Vajpayee. "Nobody deserves the Bharat Ratna more than Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji," Joshi said.

Mathura MP and former Bollywood actress, Hema Malini, also shared his views, stating, "He has done so much great work, and we as party members feel very honoured and happy that it is given to Atal Bihari Vajpayeeji."

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Anant Geete said that his party wants Bharat Ratna to be awarded to the former prime minister. "Atalji must get a Bharat Ratna. The Shiv Sena wants that Bharat Ratna should be awarded to Atalji," he said.

Last year, when the UPA Government had announced the Bharat Ratna for former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and scientist CNR Rao, the BJP had criticised the Congress for ignoring Vajpayee's contribution to the nation.

The BJP had also reportedly announced that it would confer the Bharat Ratna to Vajpayee if voted to power.