Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has demanded conferring of Bharat Ratna --the highest civilian honour -- on the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who turned 88 today.
Speaking to reporters here last evening after opening an exhibition dedicated to the veteran BJP leader, the Chief Minister described Vajpayee a staunch patriot and a great scholar.
"As the Prime Minister, Vajpayee did a unique service to the country. He enhanced India's glory by making it an atomic power and implemented schemes for network of National Highways to inter-link the country through Chaturbhuj Yojna and Pradhanmantri Gram Sadak Yojna," Chouhan said justifying his party's long-pending demand for Bharat Ratna to the BJP stalwart.
The exhibition on the eve of Vajpayee's birthday comprised about 100 photographs throwing light on various aspects of his life.
The photographs include those of his childhood days, Gwalior-based school, and with noted political leaders besides of other special occasions.
Published 25 December 2012, 09:04 IST