When Atal Bihari Vajpayee Refused to Nominate Himself for the Bharat Ratna

New Delhi: Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had once rejected his party's proposal that he should nominate himself for the Bharat Ratna, a journalist who was media adviser for his government said today. (In Pictures: Atal Bihari Vajpayee's Life and Legacy)

Mr Vajpayee, who turns 90 today, was named for India's highest civilian award today on the recommendation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The BJP, which took power in May after a 10-year gap, had put forth the suggestion when Mr Vajpayee became prime minister for the third time in 1999.

Senior journalist Ashok Tandon says that after the Kargil conflict, BJP leaders were of the view that Mr Vajpayee should be awarded the Bharat Ratna. They believed that Mr Vajpayee's popularity was at its peak after the 1998 nuclear test and his successive win in the national election, says Mr Tandon, who was the media advisor in Vajpayee government. (At Vajpayee's Family Home in Gwalior, his Favourite Menu Being Prepared)

The BJP leaders reportedly tried to convince Mr Vajpayee to propose his own name, even arguing that former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi did the same while in office. But Mr Vajpayee reportedly refused to accept the argument, saying he did not feel it was appropriate for him to nominate himself for the top honour. (Bharat Ratna for Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Madan Mohan Malviya)

His party leaders then decided to quietly move the proposal whenever Mr Vajpayee went abroad. But when he learnt about the plan, Mr Vajpayee reportedly shot it down.

Mr Vajpayee, a three-time prime minister, is considered the gold standard of leadership in the BJP and is popular across party lines. He will be the first leader from the country's political right to be given a Bharat Ratna. ("Vajpayee Had Blemish-Free Record, Deserves Bharat Ratna": LK Advani)

"Atal ji means so much to everyone. A guide, inspiration & giant among giants," tweeted PM Modi.

The announcement comes a day before the birthday of the charismatic leader, who turns 90 today, Christmas Day. The government is celebrating the day as 'good governance day'.