Pranab Mukherjee, former President, has been awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour, along with music legend Bhupen Hazarika and social activist Nanaji Deshmukh. Many believe the choice of Pranab Mukherjee, a lifelong Congressman, for the top award delivers a less-than-subtle political message in election season. Pranab Mukherjee, 83, was president when the BJP came to power after a spectacular victory in the 2014 national election, ending the Congress-led Government's 10-year rule.
