The Hindu : National : Give award posthumously, says Paswan

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Tuesday, Jan 15, 2008
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Give award posthumously, says Paswan

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: Denouncing the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party for “politicising” the Bharat Ratna award, Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Steel Ram Vilas Paswan, who also heads the Lok Janshakti Party, on Monday demanded that it be given to social reformer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, former Union Minister and Dalit leader Babu Jagjivan Ram and singer Mohammed Rafi.

Suggesting that the award be given posthumously to “avoid unnecessary controversies,” Mr. Paswan said by forwarding the names of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Dalit leader Kanshiram, both BJP and BSP were indulging in “petty politics.”

“Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award of India and of not any political party. One should not bring politics in its selection process and this award also cannot be given on the basis of religion, caste or class,” he said.

Announcing the names of his choice for Bharat Ratna, Mr. Paswan said Mahatma Phule was not only a Dalit leader but also a great social reformer who worked for the downtrodden people of society and for women’s rights and their education. Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar considered him as his ‘guru’, he added.

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