"BJP needs votes in Bihar": Uddhav Thackeray on Bharat Ratna to former CM Karpoori Thakur

Addressing a gathering of Shiv Sena workers here, Thackeray said that there were rules on how many people and who can be conferred with the honour of Bharat Ratna.

"Earlier there were rules on how many Bharat Ratna could be awarded and to whom and when they could be awarded. PM Narendra Modi is awarding it to whoever comes to his mind," Uddhav Thackeray said.

He further said that he is happy that Karpoori Thakur is being acknowledged after so many years.

"I am not saying that whoever has been conferred with the Bharat Ratna is wrong. They need votes in Bihar that's why Bharat Ratna has been awarded to Karpoori Thakur," he added.

Rashtrapati Bhavan announced that the President is pleased to award Bharat Ratna to Karpoori Thakur (posthumously).

Karpoori Thakur was born in 1924 in one of the most backward sections of society, the Nai Samaj. He was a remarkable leader whose political journey was marked by his unwavering commitment to the marginalised sections of society.

He served as the Chief Minister of Bihar and was a key figure in the struggle against social discrimination and inequality. His commitment to affirmative action gave representation and opportunities to the poor, oppressed, exploited and deprived sections of the country.

The central government announced five names for the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award, this year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced that former PMs Chaudhary Charan Singh, PV Narasimha Rao will be conferred the Bharat Ratna. Along with them, MS Swaminathan also known as the father of the green revolution will also be awarded the country's highest civilian award.

The government also bestowed the honour on veteran BJP leader LK Advani. This year a total five people have been honoured with Bharat Ratnas, the maximum than in 1999, when four were given the award.(ANI)