New Delhi: Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee will receive Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour on Friday. Setting aside protocol, President Pranab Mukherjee will visit Vajpayee's Krishna Menon Marg residence and will confer him the Bharat Ratna.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley congratulated Vajapayee and said he is a leader par excellence who has worked tirelessly for the nation.
"This a proud moment for the country and all of us. He is a stalwart leader of the country. He is a leader par excellence who has worked tirelessly in the interest of the nation," Jaitley said.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh described Vajpayee as an international icon who is respected and loved by one and all.
"Our former Prime Minister Vajpayee is not only just an Indian statesman but an international icon who is respected and loved by everyone," Singh told reporters.
"His personality, his oratory skill, his honesty and humility signify his greatness. His is a great human being," he said.
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah also congratulated Vajpayee for receiving Bharat Ratna saying it was "an honour" to serve under him.
Omar, the working president of National Conference, was Minister of State for External Affairs in the Vajpayee-led NDA government.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and other senior Cabinet ministers will be present on the special occasion.
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