Advani proposes Vajpayee's name for Bharat Ratna

NEW DELHI: L K Advani, who was recently anointed BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate, has proposed that former premier and party stalwart Atal Bihari Vajpayee be awarded Bharat Ratna for his contribution to the national polity and for his statesmanship.

In a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh last Saturday, Advani said, "I would like to propose the name of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee for recognition with Bharat Ratna this year. His contribution to our national life is so varied and well-known, and sustained over such a long period, that it bears no reiteration."

The National Awards including Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian honour, are announced on the eve of Republic Day falling on January 26.

The proposal by Advani, who listed ten points commending his close associate of several decades from the Jan Sangh days, appear to indicate changing power dynamics in BJP.

But BJP spokesman Prakash Javedakar when asked whether Advani's move signalled Vajpayee's retirement from active politics said the former premier "is our guiding star and will be our guiding star." Vajpayee was prime minister from 1998 to 2004.

Advani regretted that in many instances government felt that there was none suitable to be conferred Bharat Ratna.

"Sadly, there have also been instances when the award was not given even when such(suitable) illustrious Indians existed in our midst or when their names were suggested for posthumous recognition," he said.

Indira Gandhi was the only Prime Minister to have a received a Bharat Ratna when alive. Rajiv Gandhi was conferred a similar honour posthumously.