PM Modi expressed his delight in sharing the news on X platform, praising PV Narasimha Rao’s transformative leadership during his tenure. Modi highlighted Rao’s role in opening India to global markets, fostering economic development, and making substantial contributions to foreign policy, language, and education sectors. PV Narasimha Rao’s decision to appoint Manmohan Singh as the Finance Minister, leading to crucial economic reforms, was also acknowledged.

Dr. MS Swaminathan, a distinguished agricultural scientist, will also receive Bharat Ratna for his visionary leadership in transforming Indian agriculture and ensuring food security. PM Modi recognized Swaminathan’s invaluable work as an innovator, mentor, and his dedication to learning and research.

Additionally, former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, known for his dedication to nation-building and staunch opposition to the Emergency, will be honored with Bharat Ratna. PM Modi commended Singh’s commitment to democracy during challenging times and acknowledged his role as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Home Minister of the country, and MLA. Welcoming the announcement, Jayant Chaudhry, grandson of Chaudhary Charan Singh and leader of the Rashtriya Lok Dal, expressed gratitude to X, stating, “You have won our hearts.”

The Bharat Ratna for Chaudhary Charan Singh comes amid reports of a seat-sharing deal between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), founded by Singh’s son and now led by his grandson, Jayant Chaudhary. The BJP is speculated to offer two Lok Sabha seats and one Rajya Sabha seat to the RLD in exchange for its support, with the RLD making the Bharat Ratna for Chaudhary Charan Singh can be a part of the negotiation .

Jayant Chaudhary’s party is likely to secure the Baghpat and Bijnor seats, and there are discussions about ministerial berths for the RLD. The BJP reportedly offered two berths in Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s cabinet, but the RLD also expressed interest in a seat in Prime Minister Modi’s cabinet at the center.

Earlier this month, PM Modi had announced Bharat Ratna for BJP stalwart and former Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani. Modi praised Advani’s monumental contribution to India’s development, his commitment to transparency and integrity, and efforts in furthering national unity and cultural resurgence. The conferring of Bharat Ratna upon these leaders marks a significant recognition of their diverse contributions to the nation, shaping India’s political, economic, and agricultural landscape.

The Prime Minister commended Advani’s unwavering commitment to transparency, integrity, and political ethics, setting a benchmark in public life. Reflecting on the emotional significance of the Bharat Ratna for Advani, PM Modi expressed gratitude for the learning experiences during their interactions.

Born in Karachi, Pakistan, in 1927, Advani played a pivotal role in shaping the BJP since its inception in 1980. Advani, widely recognized for his intellectual prowess, strong principles, and commitment to a prosperous India, earned respect for his approach to nationalism and flexibility in political responses, as acknowledged by Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Positive reactions poured in from netizens, with one user praising Advani’s lifelong service and recommending his book, “My Country, My Life.” Another acknowledged the strong mentor-disciple relationship between PM Modi and Advani, hailing the latter’s monumental contribution to India’s growth and the BJP’s development.

In response to the announcement, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal extended his congratulations and best wishes to Advani, expressing hope for his continued good health and longevity. Sharad Pawar, President of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), acknowledged Advani’s valuable contributions to the country’s development.

However, Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav presented a different perspective, characterizing the BJP’s decision to honor Advani with the Bharat Ratna as an attempt to “save votes.” Yadav’s remarks suggest a political interpretation of the award, framing it within the context of electoral considerations.

Thakur, affectionately known as ‘Jan Nayak’ (people’s leader), passed away in 1988 but is being honored for his significant contributions to Bihar politics. The communique from Rashtrapati Bhavan stated, “The President has been pleased to award Bharat Ratna to Shri Karpoori Thakur (posthumously),” making him the 49th recipient of the country’s highest civilian award. The last recipient was late president Pranab Mukherjee in 2019.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his delight at this decision by praising Thakur as a “beacon of social justice” and emphasizing the enduring impact of his efforts on creating a more equitable society. The announcement coincides with the birth centenary of Karpoori Thakur, adding a symbolic touch to the recognition. Born on January 24, 1924, in the Nai samaj (barber society), Thakur played a pivotal role in Bihar politics by enforcing total prohibition of alcohol in 1970.

His birthplace in Samastipur district was renamed KarpuriGram in his honor, reflecting the profound impact of his leadership. He played a crucial role in India’s freedom struggle from a young age, enduring imprisonment during the Quit India Movement. His widespread appeal, stemming from a modest lifestyle and an unwavering commitment to social justice, contributed to his electoral success from 1952 onward.

Thakur actively championed the rights of marginalized communities, including scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, thakur’s significant contributions to uplifting the backward classes in Bihar and his pioneering role in implementing reservation benefits for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) during his tenure as Bihar CM from 1977 to 1979 , making social justice and inclusive development integral to his political ideology. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar welcomed the decision, stating that it fulfills a long-standing demand of the ruling Janata Dal (United) and will send a positive message among deprived sections of society expressing that he has always raised the demand for Bharat Ratna to Karpoori Thakur.

The announcement that came on the eve of his 100th birth anniversary brings great delight to him . The Congress party also expressed its approval on Wednesday for the posthumous conferment of the Bharat Ratna to former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur, describing him as a champion of social justice. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh welcomed the decision, emphasizing that while it may reflect the Modi government’s desperation and hypocrisy, it acknowledges Thakur’s contributions. Ramesh further asserted that conducting a nationwide caste census would be a fitting tribute to the late leader.

The Congress’s statement adds a nuanced perspective to the recognition of Thakur, urging for a broader effort in understanding and addressing social disparities. As India prepares to celebrate the birth centenary of Karpoori Thakur on January 24, the posthumous conferment of the Bharat Ratna serves as a fitting tribute to his unwavering commitment to social justice and his visionary leadership that left an indelible mark on the country’s socio-political fabric. The award not only honors his remarkable contributions but also inspires a continued mission toward creating a more just and equitable society.

By Yashasvi Raghav