JOIN US“Sachin is a Bharat Ratna. There is no doubt that he should be conferred the Bharat Ratna award,” Ganguly told reporters at the Eden Gardens.
Earlier in the day, the demand for Tendulkar to be honoured with the Bharat Ratna was raised in the Lok Sabha.
Rajan Sushant (BJP) made the demand during Zero Hour, contending that it would help inspire the youth of the nation to take to sports.
Sushant also wanted an annual national award to be constituted in the name of Tendulkar for achievements in sport.
The BJP also voiced its support to the growing demand to confer the Bharat Ratna on Tendulkar, saying both the batsman and the award deserve each other.
“Tendulkar has already won the hearts of the country through his talents, capabilities and conduct. In the eyes of the people, he is already Bharat’s ratna. Conferring Bharat Ratna on him is not only an honour for him, but it is an honour for the nation’s highest civilian award too,” BJP leader Prakash Javadekar told reporters outside Parliament here.
“The government should immediately take up the case to honour Sachin Tendulkar with the Bharat Ratna to fulfil the wishes of the people.”
In Shimla, Himachal Pradesh chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said, “He has done the country proud by his exemplary performances in the last two decades... he deserves the Bharat Ratna award.
“I will support any effort in this direction (according prestigious Bharat Ratna to Tendulkar),” the HP CM said. “He is a rare player in the history of cricket and there is no doubt in it.”
The Congress, meanwhile, said that in giving the Padma awards or the Bharat Ratna, the government keeps all facts in mind and takes an appropriate decision.
“Bharat Ratna or Padma awards are given by the government after taking in view all facts at an appropriate time,” party spokesman Manish Tewari said.