Bharat Ratna to Atal Bihari Vajpayee came at right time: Rajnath Singh

NEW DELHI: Home Minister Rajnath Singh today expressed happiness over the decision to confer Bharat Ratna on former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and late freedom fighter and Hindu Mahasabha leader Madan Mohan Malviya.

The Home Minister said giving the nation's highest civilian honour to Vajpayee by the President on the recommendation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has come at a right time.

Singh said Vajpayee has always been a source of inspiration to everyone. He was the 'Ajatshatru' of Indian politics.

"Atalji is indeed an 'Anmol Ratna' for us," he said. Singh said Malviya was a great educationist and freedom fighter. "Bharat Ratna to him is the recognition of his tremendous contribution," he said.