Leaders across parties welcomed the Bharat Ratnas to former Prime Ministers Chaudhary Charan Singh and PV Narasimha Rao as well as agriculture scientist MS Swaminathan, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.
Congress leader Sonia Gandhi welcomed the announcement of Bharat Ratnas to former PMs Singh and Rao as well as Swaminathan for their contribution to the country. While speaking to a reporter outside Parliament, the former Congress president said she of course welcomes them. Why not, she added.
BJP National President JP Nadda expressed his gratitude over the announcement of Bharat Ratna to former PM Charan Singh and Narasimha Rao as well as Swaminathan. He said the work done by Charan Singh for the overall progress of the agricultural world and the farmer brothers is unforgettable.
He also praised Rao for his contribution to anchoring the Indian economy through one of its worst crises and opening the doors for rapid economic progress. He was a visionary statesman who possessed a profound intellect and contributed immensely towards securing our national interests, Nadda said.
While talking about the Swaminathan, Nadda said his monumental efforts in the field of agricultural research helped millions of people escape the clutches of hunger and poverty.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his gratitude to PM Modi for conferring the Bharat Ratna. Taking to X, he praised all three and said Charan Singh, who was dedicated to farmers throughout his life, did many works for the welfare of farmers.
On Rao, Shah said he was the person who shaped the history of the nation with an iconoclastic vision, intellect, and statesmanship.
He also lauded Swaminathan for his contribution to the field of agriculture. Shah said he was a rare genius whose scientific prowess accomplished the Herculean task of leading the nation from an era of food crisis to food security.
The Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Jayant Chaudhary, on the announcement of Bharat Ratna to his grandfather, said in Hindi “Dil Jeet Liya” (won hearts).
He said it was a big moment and an emotional moment for him. He thanked President Draupadi Murmu, PM Modi as this was part of Modi’s vision.
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath welcomed the decision of the Centre and said Bharat Ratna for former PM and farmer leader Charan Singh is the honour of crores of farmers of the country. He added this is even more special for UP as Charan Singh also served as the chief minister of the state.
On Charan Singh, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav welcomed the decision and congratulated all farmers. While addressing the Assembly, he expressed his happiness over the announcement and mentioned his father and former Chief Minister of UP Mulayam Singh Yadav that he had installed Charan Singh’s statue in front of this Vidhan Sabha.
Meanwhile, BSP chief Mayawati, welcoming the decision of the Centre, also demanded Bharat Ratna for Kanshi Ram and said the neglect of Dalit personalities in this regard is not correct.