
New Delhi, March 27 (IANS) Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee will be conferred the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian honour, on Friday evening by President Pranab Mukherjee at Vajpayee's residence, with Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also set to attend the ceremony.
Several top cabinet ministers are to attend the function at 5 p.m.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday expressed happiness at Vajpayee being conferred the Bharat Ratna.
"It is a moment of pride and happiness that Bharat Ratna will be conferred upon Atalji today (Friday). He is loved and admired by everyone," he tweeted.
Earlier on Friday, speaking to reporters, the home minister said Vajpayee is not only just an Indian statesman but an international icon who is respected and loved by everyone.
"Atalji's name evokes a sense of respect and reverence in every heart," he said, adding that it is a matter of immense happiness for the whole country that Vajpayee is being bestowed with the Bharat Ratna.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted: "Happy that Atal Ji is being conferred Bharat Ratna today. A truly great statesman who richly deserves honour. I wish him well..."
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan tweeted his congratulations: "Heartiest congratulations to our revered mentor & beloved Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji for being conferred with 'Bharat Ratna' today."
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah tweeted: "My heartfelt congratulations to Vajpayee Sahib & his family on the day he receives the Bharat Ratna. It was an honour to serve under him."
Sunrisers Hyderabad team is back on track after registering two consecutive wins. The team defeat
Locals in trouble-hit Sandeshkhali in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district on Thursday celebr
Due to increasing cases of the corona, a lockdown has been announced in Kerala fro
Fresh Charge: Is that true Lalit Modi Offered job to Sushma Swaraj's Husband
After the statement comes out that the former IPL Chief
What will be available and what will be closed during the 21-day lockdown
नरेंद्र मोदी ने COVID-19 महामारी से लड़ने
The first picture of Corona's variant B.1.1.7 (UK variant) has been revealed in many countries in
The assassination attempt on former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan during his visit to Islama
The tentative date for the end of the monsoon season has arrived. Meanwhile, torrential rains are
There is not even a week left before the start of the T20 World Cup, all the teams are busy prepa
Shah Rukh Khan: Guddu Dhanoa's big revelation, Shahrukh had refused Deewana, then agreed like this
Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan is in the news these days about his recently released film 'Jaw