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."
PFI Ban: Ban on PFI to continue, Karnataka High Court dismisses petition challenging the ban
The Karnataka High Court has upheld the ban on the Popular Front of India (PFI). The court on Wed
After the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddiqui in broad daylight, Salman Khan's security has been t
To curb the growing cases of Corona, the Delhi government has taken a big step. The Kejriwal gove
In comedian Samay Raina's YouTube show 'India's Got Latent', Ranveer Allahabadia made objectionab
England had to suffer a humiliating 69-run defeat at the hands of Afghanistan in the 13th match o
A joint study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the All India Institute of Med
Former minister and NCP leader Baba Siddiqui was shot dead. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang took respon
New Delhi: Nowadays smartphone has become such an important part of our life that we cannot live
Perfect time to beat Australia: Kohli
Sydney, March 24 (IANS) Keeping in mind their winless performance against Australia this summer
A massive fire broke out at a chemical factory located in Musunuru village of Krishna district of
