Bharat Ratna for ex-PMs Narasimha Rao, Charan Singh and farm scientist MS Swaminathan

The announcement was made on February 9

Former prime ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh as well as MS Swaminathan, the scientist behind India's 'Green Revolution',  have been conferred India's highest civilian honour Bharat Ratna, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on February 9.

Describing Narasimha Rao as a "distinguished scholar and statesman" whose tenure as Prime Minister was "marked by significant measures that opened India to global markets", Modi said the former PM's involvement in India's foreign policy, language and education sector highlights his diverse legacy as a leader. Rao navigated India through significant transformations and enhanced the intellectual heritage, Modi said in a posts on the X platform.

Recognising farm scientist Swaminathan's contribution to farmers’ welfare, Modi said he played a pivotal role in achieving self-reliance in agriculture in challenging times. Swaminathan's efforts in modernising Indian agriculture makes his contribution invaluable, one that "ensured the nation’s food security and prosperity", the PM said.

Modi recalled Charan Singh's "incomparable contribution" to the country and said he dedicated his life to the rights and welfare of farmers. Whether as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh or the Home Minister of the country and even as an MLA, Singh always gave impetus to nation building, Modi said.

Modi said Singh's contribution to "our farmer brothers and sisters and his commitment to democracy during the Emergency is inspiring to the entire nation".

Delighted to share that our former Prime Minister, Shri PV Narasimha Rao Garu, will be honoured with the Bharat Ratna.

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As a distinguished scholar and statesman, Narasimha Rao Garu served India extensively in various capacities. He is equally remembered for the work he did as… pic.twitter.com/lihdk2BzDU

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 9, 2024

हमारी सरकार का यह सौभाग्य है कि देश के पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री चौधरी चरण सिंह जी को भारत रत्न से सम्मानित किया जा रहा है। यह सम्मान देश के लिए उनके अतुलनीय योगदान को समर्पित है। उन्होंने किसानों के अधिकार और उनके कल्याण के लिए अपना पूरा जीवन समर्पित कर दिया था। उत्तर प्रदेश के… pic.twitter.com/gB5LhaRkIv

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— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 9, 2024

It is a matter of immense joy that the Government of India is conferring the Bharat Ratna on Dr. MS Swaminathan Ji, in recognition of his monumental contributions to our nation in agriculture and farmers’ welfare. He played a pivotal role in helping India achieve self-reliance in… pic.twitter.com/OyxFxPeQjZ

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 9, 2024

Modi's latest announcement takes the number of Bharat Ratnas announced in the last few days to five. A few days ago, senior BJP leader LK Advani and former Bihar chief minister Karpoori Thakur were picked for the honour. 

Rao, Singh, Swaminathan and Thakur have been been given the honour posthumously.

Soon after the announcement was made, senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi said she welcomed the move by the government's move.  

Rajya Sabha member and Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD leader Jayant Singh too hailed the decision to honour his grand father Charan Singh.

दिल जीत लिया! #BharatRatna https://t.co/Ns0CraJ7yI

— Jayant Singh (@jayantrld) February 9, 2024