New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday conferred Bharat Ratna on four eminent personalities, including two former Prime Ministers, Chaudhary Charan Singh and PV Narasimha Rao. Former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur and agronomist MS Swaminathan were also conferred with the country's highest civilian award.
The central government announced five names for the Bharat Ratna this year, which also included BJP leader LK Advani. Sources said that President Murmu will pay a visit to senior BJP leader LK Advani's residence and confer him with the prestigious award. This was decided in view of the ailing health of the veteran BJP leader Advani, they added.
Former PM Charan Singh's award was received by his grandson, Jayant Singh, and PV Narasimha Rao's award was received by his son, PV Prabhakar Rao.
MS Swaminathan's daughter, Nitya Rao, received the award for her father and Karpoori Thakur's award was received by his son, Ram Nath Thakur.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President JP Nadda, Congress leader and LoP Mallikarjun Kharge were present among other leaders on the occasion.(with Agency inputs)
