The rift between BJP and its allies Shiv Sena in Mumbai seems to be increasing with its prominent leaders going opposite on the issue of awarding Bharat Ratna.
While Uma Bharti agreeing with Advani supported Vajpayee’s name for the Bharat Ratna award, she said, “Vajpayee deserves the award and the Centre should not delay in awarding him.”
Conversely Shiv Sena Chief Bal Thackeray categorically stated Monday that no one deserves the award presently. He further said that he would reject the controversial award if ever it were offered to him.
He said that he did not know what happened to such politicians, why they are making clamour for the people, who don’t deserve for the highest civilian award.
Balasaheb said, "I dont know what is happening to this Bharat Ratna. This award has been cheapened so much that it has lost its sheen. I will never accept it. Of course, this is bound to generate questions as to who is going to give me. But nevertheless I am clear that I will never accept it".
Even no living Indian deserves the award, he said while celebrating the reappointment of his son Udhav Thackeray as the party’s president.
“What more can I say? Balasaheb has said it all. We feel that Bharat Ratna should be awarded to someone who’s like those who have previously received it,” said Uddhab Thackeray, Executive President, Shiv Sena.
Not more a fortnight ago, BJP leader and nominee for Prime Minister L K Advani had advocated the Bharat Ratna for the former prime minister. The urge sparked off a nomination filing by every political parties, started throwing their hats into the ring.
Pouring petrol further into the already burnt fire, Uma Bharti supported Advani’s proposal for awarding Bharat Ratna to Vajpayee.
"Vajpayee is better than all those politicians who received this award. The government must confer this award to him. All the political parties respect Vajpayee," Uma, the saffron party leader said.
In support of her proposal Uma said, "During 1995-96, Pakistan tried to bring in a proposal in Geneva on human rights violations in Kashmir... At that time Congress government sent Vajpayee as its representative and he saved the pride of Narasimha Rao government there."
The skirmish for Bharat Ratna commenced with Advani’s proposal of Vajpayee’s name for the highest civilian award followed by names of Marxist veteran Jyoti Basu, BSP founder Kanshi Ram being suggested for the award.
The award whether goes to Vajpayee or not, but certainly it has brought Congress on the back foot on the ‘Bharat Ratna’ issue.
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