Maneka Gandhi new recommendation for Bharat Ratna

Mathura, Jan 15: After former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, CPI(M) veteran leader Jyoti Basu and BSP founder late Kanshi Ram, wildlife and environment conservationist Maneka Gandhi is the latest recommendation for the nation's highest civilan award, 'Bharat Ratna'.

People for Animals, Meerut unit, has recommended Ms Maneka, also former union minister, for the Bharat Ratna. A proposal in this regard has already been sent to the central government, sources said. The proposal from the People for Animals said, ''former Prime Minister and BJP leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu and BSP founder late Kanshi Ram were being named by the parties to gain political benefits, whereas, there is no such intention behind naming Ms Maneka.''

''She is fighting for long for wildlife and environment conservation, therefore, honouring her with the award would be akin to honouring human rights,'' People for Animals (Meerut unit) chief Vijay Kumar said.

Awarding Ms Maneka would further encourage other people with similar interest, he claimed.

UNI