Like so many previous tightly packed political pellets shot by the political guns, the latest one sprang in the contour of giving the civilian citation of Bharat Ratna to the country’s two most outstanding female political personalities. This has clearly not escaped the gaze of other political leaders. It will not be wrong if it is mumbled that Nitish Kumar, Bihar’s Chief Minister chuckled over this specific suggestion. However, he did not fail to add that “all have the right to raise any type of demand.”
The decision on who to award the Bharat Ratna lies in the hands of the Prime Minister and by extension the ruling BJP.
His suppressed laugh could have other connotations too. But his terse reaction was nothing improper, say reviewers. It will be apt to mention here that the much-cherished suggestion was definitely made by former union minister and ex-chief minister of Uttarakhand Harish Rawat. He was supposed to have reportedly said that Sonia Gandhi, besides BSP supremo Mayawati, is considered for the country’s highest civilian honour.
The idea was indeed mooted before the R-Day, the country’s big festival in every manner. It is not too far from us now. In the case of Bharat Ratna, as is told, there is no jury. The PM recommends a name to the President and the latter has to accept it. Therefore, will the present NDA government decide in their favour as this government most often hints at the women’s empowerment? Would the BJP-led NDA government consider all about it? Will it be feasible to honour them with the highest award? Or, did it all boil down to a wholly diverse angle?