Sonia Gandhi hails Bharat Ratna for Atal Bihari Vajpayee

NEW DELHI: Congress President Sonia Gandhi today hailed conferment of Bharat Ratna on BJP leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee, saying he had a "large-hearted vision" and the award is a "fitting recognition" of his statesmanship, wisdom and deep commitment to the national interests.

In a letter to Vajpayee on receiving the highest civilian honour, Gandhi said, "your broad and large-hearted vision, your patriotism and eloquent oratory have always embraced the entire political spectrum and all sections of our society".

She told the former Prime Minister that on this auspicious day, she shared the joy of his family and friends as also millions of Indians.

"It is a fitting recognition of your statesmanship, wisdom, and deep commitement to the national interests during your Prime Ministership and indeed throughout your years in politics," she wrote to Vajpayee.