Mr Vajpayee visits the nuclear test site at Pokhran along with A.P.J Abdul Kalam. India conducted five N-tests on May 11 and 13, 1998
New Delhi: The decision to confer the Bharat Ratna on freedom fighter Madan Mohan Malviya and former PM Atal Behari Vajpayee was hailed by political leaders cutting across party lines.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed the award to the “illustrious stalwarts” of the nation as a “fitting recognition” of their service to the nation. The main Opposition Congress applauded the decision, but also chose the occasion to take a potshot at the Modi government, saying that “the NDA will follow the path of raj dharam and secularism” as shown by the two stalwarts.
Congress general secretary and in-charge of media communication Ajay Maken said, “To a certain extent, both represent the Indian thought, which is secular and tolerant. We hope th-at this present government will walk in the path shown by these leaders.” Former Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, who had been a minister in Vajpayee Cabinet, also lauded the decision and said, “the UPA government should have conferred the award on the former Prime Minister.”
