UP Minister demands Bharat Ratna for Lohia, Charan Singh

Lucknow, Aug 12: Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister Shivpal Singh Yadav has demanded Bharat Ratna for socialist revolutionary and freedom fighter Ram Manohar Lohia, former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh and prominent poet Gopaldas Neeraj.

In a letter to the Centre and Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding this, Shivpal said Lohia, a revolutionary thinker, "who made Indian politics and social life prosperous with his unmatched talent", has not been honoured with the country's highest civilian award.

Former Prime Minister Charan Singh was also not awarded the Bharat Ratna, Shivpal said, and pointed out that their contribution to the country, importance and philosophy was well known to all.

He said that from time to time several organisations and leaders have demanded the honour for the two leaders so that future generations could be inspired by them. Besides, he has also demanded Bharat Ratna for prominent poet Gopaldas Neeraj.

PTI