'Atalji a living Bharat Ratna': Who said what on award given to Vajpayee, Malaviya

Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and educationist Madan Mohan Malviya were today chosen for the country’s highest civilian award Bharat Ratna.

The announcement came ahead of Vajpayee’s 90th birthday on Thursday. “The President has been pleased to award Bharat Ratna to Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya (posthumously) and to Atal Bihari Vajpayee,” a press communique from Rashtrapati Bhavan said.

One of India’s most charismatic leaders, Vajpayee is lauded as a statesman and has been often described as the moderate face of BJP.

An educationist with a vision, Malviya’s main achievement was the establishment of the Banaras Hindu University. Born on 25 December, 1861, Malviya was catapulted into the political arena immediately after his first moving speech at the second Congress session held in Kolkata in 1886. He was President of the Indian National Congress in 1909 and 1918.

Here are some of the prominent reactions to the Bharat Ratna being awarded to Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Madan Mohan Malaviya:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Atal ji means so much to everyone.A guide, inspiration & giant among giants. His contribution to India is invaluable pic.twitter.com/1MYzQbaakO

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 24, 2014

Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya is remembered as a phenomenal scholar & freedom fighter who lit the spark of national consciousness among people.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 24, 2014

Country's highest honour to these illustrious stalwarts is a fitting recognition of their service to the Nation.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 24, 2014

Arun Jaitley (Finance Minister)

Today is a proud day for us. Malaviyaji was a great lawyer, a great freedom fighter and a very strong nationalist. Vajpayeeji has been one of the most outstanding Prime Ministers and political leaders in the post independent era that India has seen. Atalji has been a very strong nationalist committed to the cause of this country. He is a man who always realised the virtues of consensus. He is one of the greatest communicators India has ever seen. He was somebody who made his presence felt at a national level. He was committed to establish peace in south-east Asia. We all wish him a good health and a very long life.

Sushma Swaraj (External Affairs Minister)

Why should the award not be given to Malaviya? Malaviya was caled ‘Mahamana’. There should be no dispute on this. Vajpayee also deserves this. Both leaders should have got this award much earlier. Vajpayee was happy about the award when I met him.

Ramchandra Guha (Historian)

Bharat Ratna to Madan Mohan Malaviya is a mistake. It is absolutely unwise to give the Bharat Ratna to dead people, especially long dead people. Givng this award to Malaviya opens Pandora’s box. If Malaviya, why not Tagore? The government should not go down the route of posthumous awards. It is an extremely stupid idea to give him the award. The UPA goverment should have conferred the award to Vajpayee. Awarding Vajpayee would have been appropriate during the UPA regime.

Abhishek Manu Singhvi (Congress)

Congrats 2 Vajpayeeji
& malaviyaji on getting highest honour in the gift of the nation. Befitting +apposite. keep politics out of this.

— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) December 24, 2014

Don't besmirch status of Bharat Ratna by politicising every awardee. Great disservice to nation. Unless perverse, don't criticise choices.

— Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) December 24, 2014

Amartya Sen (Economist) 

Vajpayee went from being a party leader to a national leader. He certainly deserves the honour. I am absolutely delighted that he is being awarded this great honour. I’m delighted to join the celebrations. Vajpayee could Clear distincguish between leading a party and leading the country. Vajpayee offered lesseons for the politics of India.

Sudheendra Kulkarni (Former BJP leader)

The tradition of conferring #BharatRatna posthumously on leaders from Freedom Movement era is wrong. It must stop with #MadanMohanMalviya.

— Sudheendra Kulkarni (@SudheenKulkarni) December 24, 2014

Rajiv Pratap Rudy (BJP)

Devendra Fadnavis (Maharashtra CM)

The entire world will welcome it. It’s a great decision. Atalji is a living legend who is respected not only across nation but across the world.

Venkaiah Naidu (BJP)

I am very happy that a great leader and his great service has been formally recognised. Atal Bihari Vajpayee is a living Bharat Ratna. Personally I’m very happy. People already consider him a Bharat Ratna.

Karuna Shukla (Vajpayee’s niece)

I welcome the move. It has come at the right time. It is a matter of great pride for us and for all the BJP workers and the Vajpayee’s family.

Anoop Mishra (Vajpayee’s nephew)

This should have happened earlier but I’m glad it’s happening. He got respect from all parties. He was a leader of the masses. I don’t have words to describe my feelings. I am extremely happy. I extend my heartiest wishes to Modiji for this.

Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP)

It’s a great day. Those who are the ratnas of the country should be beyond politics. Malaviya should’ve been given this award a long time ago. The award to Vajpayee, for me, is an emotional moment. He has seen me as a child. We’ve worked together. Those who are deserving should get the award, regardless of siyasat. It is also wonderful that Vajpayee’s birthday is tomorrow.

Lalji Tandon (Former BJP leader)

Vajpayee should’ve been given this award earlier. This is not a respect for just Atalji but for the entire nation. This is a felicitation of a man who worked for everyone.

Prakash Javadekar (BJP)

I am very happy to know that the Bharat Ratna will be conferred on Atalji and late Madan Mohan Malaviyaji. Atalji presented a model of good governance. He continues to inspire us.

Mamata Banerjee (TMC)

I welcome the decision. We all love and respect Vajpayeeji.

(With inputs from PTI)