Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour, was conferred on B R Ambedkar out of compulsion and not by heart, said All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi.

"Tell me out of the total Bharat Ratna awards given how many were Dalit, Adivasi, Muslim, poor, upper caste and Brahmin? Babasaheb (Ambedkar) was given Bharat Ratna, but out of compulsion and not by heart (Mujhe yeh batao ki jitne Bharat Ratna ke award diye gaye usmein se kitne dalit, adivasi, musalmanon, garibon, upper caste aur Brahminon ko diye gaye? Babasaheb ko Bharat Ratna diya par dil se nahi diya majboori ki halat mein diya)," Owaisi said at the Vanchit Bahujan Sabha on Sunday.

His statement comes days after the central government announced the names of former President Pranab Mukherjee, late legendary singer Bhupen Hazarika, and late social activist Nanaji Deshmukh as the recipients of the coveted honour this year.

Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour, was conferred on B R Ambedkar out of compulsion and not by heart, said All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi.

Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour, was conferred on B R Ambedkar out of compulsion and not by heart, said All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi. "Tell me out of the total Bharat Ratna awards given how many were Dalit, Adivasi, Muslim, poor, upper caste and Brahmin? Babasaheb (Ambedkar) was given Bharat Ratna, but out of compulsion and not by heart (Mujhe yeh batao ki jitne Bharat Ratna ke award diye gaye usmein se kitne dalit, adivasi, musalmanon, garibon, upper caste aur Brahminon ko diye gaye? Babasaheb ko Bharat Ratna diya par dil se nahi diya majboori ki halat mein diya)," Owaisi said at the Vanchit Bahujan Sabha on Sunday. His statement comes days after the central government announced the names of former President Pranab Mukherjee, late legendary singer Bhupen Hazarika, and late social activist Nanaji Deshmukh as the recipients of the coveted honour this year.

Ambedkar given Bharat Ratna out of compulsion, not by heart: Asaduddin Owaisi

The Shiv Sena Monday said it is "unfortunate" that the icon of the country's freedom struggle Veer Savarkar has been neglected even in the "Modi era" and not honoured with the Bharat Ratna.

It also said that the highest civilian award has been conferred on veteran artiste late Bhupen Hazarika only with an eye on the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, which is a "wrong" thing.

The Sena, an ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Maharashtra, has since long been demanding the highest civilian award for Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, who spent the prime of his life at the Cellular Jail in Andaman after being sentenced to life.

Sena's Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut had a few years back written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying it was high time that the NDA government honoured Savarkar with the Bharat Ratna so as to rectify the "mistakes" of earlier governments which had "deliberately neglected" him due to his staunch Hindutva views.

"The Congress insulted Savarkar during its regime. But what did the Modi government do after coming to power? The BJP was pitching hard for the Bharat Ratna for Savarkar when it was in opposition. But neither the Ram temple got constructed nor Savarkar got the Bharat Ratna," the Sena said in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana'.

"It is unfortunate that even in the 'Modi era', Savarkar has not been given the Bharat Ratna," it rued.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led party noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had gone to Andaman last month and visited the cell where Savarkar was once jailed.

"He (Modi) did some mediation but it got washed away in the waves of an ocean," it said in sarcastic remarks.

Patting itself over Pranab Mukherjee being conferred the Bharat Ratna, the Sena said it had backed his candidature for the president's post despite opposition from the BJP.

"If Mukherjee was 'Bharat Ratna', then why was he not given the second term as president. His election would have been unopposed," it opined.

The Shiv Sena Monday said it is "unfortunate" that the icon of the country's freedom struggle Veer Savarkar has been neglected even in the "Modi era" and not honoured with the Bharat Ratna.

The Shiv Sena Monday said it is "unfortunate" that the icon of the country's freedom struggle Veer Savarkar has been neglected even in the "Modi era" and not honoured with the Bharat Ratna. It also said that the highest civilian award has been conferred on veteran artiste late Bhupen Hazarika only with an eye on the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, which is a "wrong" thing. The Sena, an ally of the BJP at the Centre and in Maharashtra, has since long been demanding the highest civilian award for Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, who spent the prime of his life at the Cellular Jail in Andaman after being sentenced to life. Sena's Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut had a few years back written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying it was high time that the NDA government honoured Savarkar with the Bharat Ratna so as to rectify the "mistakes" of earlier governments which had "deliberately neglected" him due to his staunch Hindutva views. "The Congress insulted Savarkar during its regime. But what did the Modi government do after coming to power? The BJP was pitching hard for the Bharat Ratna for Savarkar when it was in opposition. But neither the Ram temple got constructed nor Savarkar got the Bharat Ratna," the Sena said in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana'. "It is unfortunate that even in the 'Modi era', Savarkar has not been given the Bharat Ratna," it rued. The Uddhav Thackeray-led party noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had gone to Andaman last month and visited the cell where Savarkar was once jailed. "He (Modi) did some mediation but it got washed away in the waves of an ocean," it said in sarcastic remarks. Patting itself over Pranab Mukherjee being conferred the Bharat Ratna, the Sena said it had backed his candidature for the president's post despite opposition from the BJP. "If Mukherjee was 'Bharat Ratna', then why was he not given the second term as president. His election would have been unopposed," it opined.

Shiv Sena hits out at Modi govt for not honouring Savarkar with Bharat Ratna

Asserting that no sanyasi (seer) has been awarded Bharat Ratna since independence, Yog Guru Ramdev on Sunday demanded that seers in the country should also be conferred with the highest civilian honour for their contributions.

“I respect all the people who were given Bharat Ratna. Whoever contributes in the developmental works, they should be given Bharat Ratna. If it can be given to players and artistes then why not to a Sanyasi? Is the contribution of Maharishi Dayananda and Swami Vivekananda less than any politician or artiste? Mother Teresa can get it because she was a Christian but no seers because they are Hindus. Is being Hindu a crime in this country?”

Claiming that not even one seer has been awarded the Bharat Ratna since its beginning, he further said, “It is unfortunate that in the last 70 years, not even one sanyasi has been awarded Bharat Ratna, be it Maharishi Dayananda Saraswati or Swami Vivekananda, Shivakumara Swami Ji. All these saints who have contributed so much must also be conferred with the Bharat Ratna. Many seers have given education to crores of children. So, Hindu sanyasis who have contributed should also get the Bharat Ratna".

The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award accorded in India.

This year, former President Pranab Mukherjee, late legendary singer Bhupen Hazarika and late social activist Nanaji Deshmukh were the recipients of the coveted honour.

A number of politicians from Karnataka, including former chief minister Siddaramaiah and deputy chief minister G Parameshwara, had also raised demand to confer Bharat Ratna for late Siddaganga Mutt seer Shivakumara Swami.&nbsp;

Asserting that no sanyasi (seer) has been awarded Bharat Ratna since independence, Yog Guru Ramdev on Sunday demanded that seers in the country should also be conferred with the highest civilian honour for their contributions.

Asserting that no sanyasi (seer) has been awarded Bharat Ratna since independence, Yog Guru Ramdev on Sunday demanded that seers in the country should also be conferred with the highest civilian honour for their contributions. “I respect all the people who were given Bharat Ratna. Whoever contributes in the developmental works, they should be given Bharat Ratna. If it can be given to players and artistes then why not to a Sanyasi? Is the contribution of Maharishi Dayananda and Swami Vivekananda less than any politician or artiste? Mother Teresa can get it because she was a Christian but no seers because they are Hindus. Is being Hindu a crime in this country?” Claiming that not even one seer has been awarded the Bharat Ratna since its beginning, he further said, “It is unfortunate that in the last 70 years, not even one sanyasi has been awarded Bharat Ratna, be it Maharishi Dayananda Saraswati or Swami Vivekananda, Shivakumara Swami Ji. All these saints who have contributed so much must also be conferred with the Bharat Ratna. Many seers have given education to crores of children. So, Hindu sanyasis who have contributed should also get the Bharat Ratna". The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award accorded in India. This year, former President Pranab Mukherjee, late legendary singer Bhupen Hazarika and late social activist Nanaji Deshmukh were the recipients of the coveted honour. A number of politicians from Karnataka, including former chief minister Siddaramaiah and deputy chief minister G Parameshwara, had also raised demand to confer Bharat Ratna for late Siddaganga Mutt seer Shivakumara Swami.

Unfortunate that no sanyasi awarded Bharat Ratna in 70 years: Ramdev

"My contribution is recognised,"&nbsp;said former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientist Nambi Narayanan on Saturday, this year’s Padma Bhushan awardee who had once been labelled as a spy and was arrested too.

Narayanan told ANI, ''I am happy. In fact, I was known to the public as a spy and then I became the victim of a spy. So, I became more popular in that sense subsequently. What I wanted was the contribution I made to the country should be recognised."

ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan, former Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker Kariya Munda, Actor Mohanlal, veteran journalist Kuldeep Nayyar (posthumous), Indian mountaineer Bachendri Pal and Lok Sabha MP Hukmdev Narayan Yadav have been selected for the Padma Bhushan award.

"In fact, in October 1994, we launched the PSLV. It was moving with the engine which I have developed. But immediately within 10-15 days, I was arrested. Till date 44 PSLVs were flown successfully using the engine I developed,"&nbsp;he said.

"But, honestly, nobody mentioned this anywhere. I felt sad about it but today this award gives a feeling that my contribution is recognised. In other words, I am happy to be known as the man who has contributed rather than a victim of spy,"&nbsp;said Narayanan.

Former ISRO scientist Narayanan was arrested in an alleged espionage case in November 1994.

"If you think that something is right and the truth, then you should stick to it. You should not surrender to pressure or influences. That was what I was doing. It is not easy to fight a powerful government and but my happiness is the concerned governments understood the truth. I am happy that they corrected themselves,"&nbsp;Narayanan added.

The scientist was reportedly accused of selling vital Indian space technology secrets to Pakistan. The Supreme Court had, however, cleared him of spy charges and termed his arrest as “needless” and “unnecessary.”

"My contribution is recognised," said former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientist Nambi Narayanan on Saturday, this year’s Padma Bhushan awardee who had once been labelled as a spy and was arrested too.

"My contribution is recognised," said former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientist Nambi Narayanan on Saturday, this year’s Padma Bhushan awardee who had once been labelled as a spy and was arrested too. Narayanan told ANI, ''I am happy. In fact, I was known to the public as a spy and then I became the victim of a spy. So, I became more popular in that sense subsequently. What I wanted was the contribution I made to the country should be recognised." ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan, former Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker Kariya Munda, Actor Mohanlal, veteran journalist Kuldeep Nayyar (posthumous), Indian mountaineer Bachendri Pal and Lok Sabha MP Hukmdev Narayan Yadav have been selected for the Padma Bhushan award. "In fact, in October 1994, we launched the PSLV. It was moving with the engine which I have developed. But immediately within 10-15 days, I was arrested. Till date 44 PSLVs were flown successfully using the engine I developed," he said. "But, honestly, nobody mentioned this anywhere. I felt sad about it but today this award gives a feeling that my contribution is recognised. In other words, I am happy to be known as the man who has contributed rather than a victim of spy," said Narayanan. Former ISRO scientist Narayanan was arrested in an alleged espionage case in November 1994. "If you think that something is right and the truth, then you should stick to it. You should not surrender to pressure or influences. That was what I was doing. It is not easy to fight a powerful government and but my happiness is the concerned governments understood the truth. I am happy that they corrected themselves," Narayanan added. The scientist was reportedly accused of selling vital Indian space technology secrets to Pakistan. The Supreme Court had, however, cleared him of spy charges and termed his arrest as “needless” and “unnecessary.”

Once labelled as spy, former ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan is happy to get Padma Bhushan award

Former President Dr Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday said ''in my public life I've received much more from the people and from this country than I've given to it''.

Mukherjee was reacting after being <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ex-president-pranab-mukherjee-nanaji-deshmukh-bhupen-hazarika-awarded-bharat-ratna-192802">conferred Bharat Ratna</a>.

''It is with a deep sense of humility and gratitude to the people of India that I accept this great honour #BharatRatna bestowed upon me. &nbsp;I have always said and I repeat, that I have got more from the people of our great country than I have given to them. #CitizenMukherjee,'' tweeted former president.

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Former President Dr Pranab Mukherjee: But at the same time, with all humility, I accept this honour. I have conveyed my appreciation by talking to the President of the Republic. <a href="https://t.co/UXiJe3z40x">https://t.co/UXiJe3z40x</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1089099259490828288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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''I would like to express my deep gratitude to the people of this country,'' he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.&nbsp;

According to ANI, Mukherjee said ''I conveyed my appreciation by talking to the President of the Republic''.

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Sharmistha Mukherjee: My father (Dr Pranab Mukherjee) started his journey from a very remote village of Bengal. There was no development, roads, electricity. He had to travel for 10 kms every day to go to school. From there to achievement of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatRatna?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatRatna</a>, it's a very long journey <a href="https://t.co/IK8HwE3OCY">pic.twitter.com/IK8HwE3OCY</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1089109635473260544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Former President Dr Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday said ''in my public life I've received much more from the people and from this country than I've given to it''. Mukherjee was reacting after being conferred Bharat Ratna.

Former President Dr Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday said ''in my public life I've received much more from the people and from this country than I've given to it''. Mukherjee was reacting after being conferred Bharat Ratna. ''It is with a deep sense of humility and gratitude to the people of India that I accept this great honour #BharatRatna bestowed upon me. I have always said and I repeat, that I have got more from the people of our great country than I have given to them. #CitizenMukherjee,'' tweeted former president. Former President Dr Pranab Mukherjee: But at the same time, with all humility, I accept this honour. I have conveyed my appreciation by talking to the President of the Republic. https://t.co/UXiJe3z40x — ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2019 × ''I would like to express my deep gratitude to the people of this country,'' he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. According to ANI, Mukherjee said ''I conveyed my appreciation by talking to the President of the Republic''. Sharmistha Mukherjee: My father (Dr Pranab Mukherjee) started his journey from a very remote village of Bengal. There was no development, roads, electricity. He had to travel for 10 kms every day to go to school. From there to achievement of #BharatRatna, it's a very long journey pic.twitter.com/IK8HwE3OCY — ANI (@ANI) January 26, 2019 ×

Received much more from country than given to it: Pranab on Bharat Ratna

Bharatiya Jana Sangh leader late Nanaji Deshmukh, singer Bhupen Hazarika and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/full-text-of-president-pranab-mukherjees-farewell-address-to-the-nation-18254">former president Pranab Mukherjee </a>have been conferred the country's highest civilian award the Bharat Ratna.

In an official statement, the government said Deshmukh and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bhupen-hazarika-remembered-23600">Hazarika </a>have been conferred the award posthumously.

The Bharat Ratna has been conferred after a gap of four years. Former PM&nbsp;Atal Bihari Vajpayee and founder of Banaras Hindu University Madan Mohan Malviya were given the award by the Narendra Modi government in 2015.

Mukherjee, fondly known as 'Pranab Da', was the president between 2012 and 2017.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Mukherjee is an outstanding statesman of present times who has served the nation selflessly and tirelessly for decades, leaving a strong imprint on the nation's growth trajectory.&nbsp;

"His (Mukherjee) wisdom and intellect have few parallels. Delighted that he has been conferred the Bharat Ratna," Modi tweeted.

Referring to Deshmukh, Modi said his stellar contribution towards rural development showed the way for a new paradigm of empowering those living in our villages.

"He (Deshmukh) personifies humility, compassion and service to the downtrodden. He is a Bharat Ratna in the truest sense!," he tweeted.

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Pranab Da is an outstanding statesman of our times. 
 
He has served the nation selflessly and tirelessly for decades, leaving a strong imprint on the nation's growth trajectory. 
 
His wisdom and intellect have few parallels. Delighted that he has been conferred the Bharat Ratna.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1088814687662292992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Praising Hazarika, Modi said his songs and music are admired by people across generations.&nbsp;

"From them radiates the message of justice, harmony and brotherhood."&nbsp;

"He (Hazarika) popularised India's musical traditions globally. Happy that the Bharat Ratna has been conferred on Bhupen Da," the Prime Minister tweeted.

The 83-year-old Mukherjee, who was also known as the quintessential Man Friday of the Congress, joins the elite club with Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Rajendra Prasad, Zakir Hussain and V V Giri who had been conferred the coveted award.

Mukherjee became India's youngest finance minister in 1982 at the age of 47. From 2004, he went on to head three crucial ministries - external affairs, defence and finance - and became the first occupant of the Rashtrapati Bhavan to have this distinction.

Deshmukh was associated with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh(RSS) since 1928 till his death in Satna, Madhya Pradesh, in 2010 at the age of 94 and was known for starting the chain of RSS inspired schools throughout India.

He was one of the founder members of Bharatiya Jan Sangh which later evolved as BJP.&nbsp;He was considered to be one of the architects of the Jai Prakash Narain movement against Emergency in 1974 and among the key persons in the formation of Janata Party government in 1977.&nbsp;

Born in 1926, Hazarika was a playback singer, lyricist, musician, singer, poet and filmmaker from Assam.

A recipient of Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1987), Padmashri (1977), Padmabhushan (2001) and Padma Vibhushan (2012-posthumously), Hazarika was also awarded with Dada Saheb Phalke Award in 1992.

Hazarika did his PhD from Columbia University in 1952. He died in 2011.

The cultural icon also had a brush with politics and had unsuccessfully contested the Guwahati Lok Sabha seat on a BJP ticket in 2004. He was an independent MLA in Assam during 1967-72.

Hazarika gave music in Bollywood movies Rudaali, Darmiyaan, Gaja Gamini, Daman and many Assamese hits, including award winning film 'Sameli Memsaab'.&nbsp;

With these three recipients, 48 eminent people have been conferred the award so far.&nbsp;

Bharatiya Jana Sangh leader late Nanaji Deshmukh, singer Bhupen Hazarika and former president Pranab Mukherjee have been conferred the country's highest civilian award the Bharat Ratna.

Bharatiya Jana Sangh leader late Nanaji Deshmukh, singer Bhupen Hazarika and former president Pranab Mukherjee have been conferred the country's highest civilian award the Bharat Ratna. In an official statement, the government said Deshmukh and Hazarika have been conferred the award posthumously. The Bharat Ratna has been conferred after a gap of four years. Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and founder of Banaras Hindu University Madan Mohan Malviya were given the award by the Narendra Modi government in 2015. Mukherjee, fondly known as 'Pranab Da', was the president between 2012 and 2017. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Mukherjee is an outstanding statesman of present times who has served the nation selflessly and tirelessly for decades, leaving a strong imprint on the nation's growth trajectory. "His (Mukherjee) wisdom and intellect have few parallels. Delighted that he has been conferred the Bharat Ratna," Modi tweeted. Referring to Deshmukh, Modi said his stellar contribution towards rural development showed the way for a new paradigm of empowering those living in our villages. "He (Deshmukh) personifies humility, compassion and service to the downtrodden. He is a Bharat Ratna in the truest sense!," he tweeted. Pranab Da is an outstanding statesman of our times. He has served the nation selflessly and tirelessly for decades, leaving a strong imprint on the nation's growth trajectory. His wisdom and intellect have few parallels. Delighted that he has been conferred the Bharat Ratna. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 25, 2019 × Praising Hazarika, Modi said his songs and music are admired by people across generations. "From them radiates the message of justice, harmony and brotherhood." "He (Hazarika) popularised India's musical traditions globally. Happy that the Bharat Ratna has been conferred on Bhupen Da," the Prime Minister tweeted. The 83-year-old Mukherjee, who was also known as the quintessential Man Friday of the Congress, joins the elite club with Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Rajendra Prasad, Zakir Hussain and V V Giri who had been conferred the coveted award. Mukherjee became India's youngest finance minister in 1982 at the age of 47. From 2004, he went on to head three crucial ministries - external affairs, defence and finance - and became the first occupant of the Rashtrapati Bhavan to have this distinction. Deshmukh was associated with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh(RSS) since 1928 till his death in Satna, Madhya Pradesh, in 2010 at the age of 94 and was known for starting the chain of RSS inspired schools throughout India. He was one of the founder members of Bharatiya Jan Sangh which later evolved as BJP. He was considered to be one of the architects of the Jai Prakash Narain movement against Emergency in 1974 and among the key persons in the formation of Janata Party government in 1977. Born in 1926, Hazarika was a playback singer, lyricist, musician, singer, poet and filmmaker from Assam. A recipient of Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1987), Padmashri (1977), Padmabhushan (2001) and Padma Vibhushan (2012-posthumously), Hazarika was also awarded with Dada Saheb Phalke Award in 1992. Hazarika did his PhD from Columbia University in 1952. He died in 2011. The cultural icon also had a brush with politics and had unsuccessfully contested the Guwahati Lok Sabha seat on a BJP ticket in 2004. He was an independent MLA in Assam during 1967-72. Hazarika gave music in Bollywood movies Rudaali, Darmiyaan, Gaja Gamini, Daman and many Assamese hits, including award winning film 'Sameli Memsaab'. With these three recipients, 48 eminent people have been conferred the award so far.

Ex-president Pranab Mukherjee, Nanaji Deshmukh & Bhupen Hazarika awarded Bharat Ratna

Sachin Tendulkar launches biography of Gymnast Dipa Karmakar in Mumbai

AAP MLA Alka Lamba said Friday night she will tender her resignation as "demanded" by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for not supporting a resolution in the assembly on revoking late PM Rajiv Gandhi's Bharat Ratna.&nbsp;

The Delhi Assembly on Friday adopted a resolution on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in which it was demanded that the Bharat Ratna awarded to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi be withdrawn, but the AAP swiftly distanced itself from the reference to the Congress leader.

The matter became a major crisis with AAP MLA Alka Lamba alleging she was "put under pressure" to support the resolution, which she resisted and boycotted.

Lamba said she was ready to face "any consequences" and claimed she spoke to AAP supremo and CM Kejriwal who, she said, asked her to resign as MLA. "I am ready to do so", she said.

The Chandni Chowk MLA said she was not happy with the demand to take back Bharat Ratna from Gandhi and staged a walkout in protest.

Interestingly, the AAP later distanced itself from the resolution.

"After I staged a walkout, I got a message from the chief minister to tender my resignation," she said.

When asked whether she will quit, Lamba added, "I have won on a party ticket. I will tender my resignation as demanded by the party," the former Youth Congress leader said.

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आज <a href="https://twitter.com/DelhiAssembly?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DelhiAssembly</a> में प्रस्ताव लाया गया की पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री स्वर्गीय श्री राजीव गांधी जी को दिया गया भारत रत्न वापस लिया जाना चाहिये, 
मुझे मेरे भाषण में इसका समर्थन करने को कहा गया,जो मुझे मंजूर नही था,मैंने सदन से वॉक आउट किया। 
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— Alka Lamba (@LambaAlka) <a href="https://twitter.com/LambaAlka/status/1076169781324251136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In a tweet, she said, "I was asked to support the resolution demanding taking back the Bharat Ratna awarded to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Since I didn't agree with this, I staged a walk out. I am ready to accept whatever punishment is given to me."&nbsp;

AAP MLA Alka Lamba said Friday night she will tender her resignation as "demanded" by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for not supporting a resolution in the assembly on revoking late PM Rajiv Gandhi's Bharat Ratna.

AAP MLA Alka Lamba said Friday night she will tender her resignation as "demanded" by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for not supporting a resolution in the assembly on revoking late PM Rajiv Gandhi's Bharat Ratna. The Delhi Assembly on Friday adopted a resolution on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in which it was demanded that the Bharat Ratna awarded to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi be withdrawn, but the AAP swiftly distanced itself from the reference to the Congress leader. The matter became a major crisis with AAP MLA Alka Lamba alleging she was "put under pressure" to support the resolution, which she resisted and boycotted. Lamba said she was ready to face "any consequences" and claimed she spoke to AAP supremo and CM Kejriwal who, she said, asked her to resign as MLA. "I am ready to do so", she said. The Chandni Chowk MLA said she was not happy with the demand to take back Bharat Ratna from Gandhi and staged a walkout in protest. Interestingly, the AAP later distanced itself from the resolution. "After I staged a walkout, I got a message from the chief minister to tender my resignation," she said. When asked whether she will quit, Lamba added, "I have won on a party ticket. I will tender my resignation as demanded by the party," the former Youth Congress leader said. आज @DelhiAssembly में प्रस्ताव लाया गया की पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री स्वर्गीय श्री राजीव गांधी जी को दिया गया भारत रत्न वापस लिया जाना चाहिये, मुझे मेरे भाषण में इसका समर्थन करने को कहा गया,जो मुझे मंजूर नही था,मैंने सदन से वॉक आउट किया। अब इसकी जो सज़ा मिलेगी,मैं उसके लिये तैयार हूँ। pic.twitter.com/ykZ54XJSAv — Alka Lamba (@LambaAlka) December 21, 2018 × In a tweet, she said, "I was asked to support the resolution demanding taking back the Bharat Ratna awarded to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Since I didn't agree with this, I staged a walk out. I am ready to accept whatever punishment is given to me."

'Will tender resignation': AAP MLA Alka Lamba over resolution to revoke Rajiv Gandhi's Bharat Ratna

The Delhi Assembly on Friday passed a resolution demanding the withdrawal of the Bharat Ratna&nbsp;awarded to the former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991.

The resolution, passed by a voice vote, cited the 1984 <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/1984-anti-sikh-riots-no-ground-for-granting-relief-to-sajjan-kumar-says-high-court-185604">anti-Sikh riots</a> as the reason behind its demand for the withdrawal of the award.

AAP MLA Jarnail Singh who moved the resolution said, "Delhi Assembly today declared 1984 anti-Sikh riots as worst genocide in the history of India’s national capital. In a resolution that has been passed today, we have demanded from the Centre that Bharat Ratna should be withdrawn from Former PM Rajiv Gandhi".

The resolution said the Delhi government should "strongly" convey in writing to the Union Home Ministry (MHA) that justice continues to elude the families and near-dear ones of the victims of the worst "genocide" in the history of India's national capital.

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Jarnail Singh,AAP MLA: Delhi Assembly today declared 1984 anti-Sikh riots as worst genocide in the history of India’s national capital. In a resolution that has been passed today we have demanded from the Centre that Bharat Ratna should be withdrawn from Former PM Rajiv Gandhi. <a href="https://t.co/g9uskxBe36">pic.twitter.com/g9uskxBe36</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1076140237481402369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The resolution was passed days after the High Court passed a historic verdict on the anti-Sikh riots. The court on December 17 reversed the acquittal of former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar by the trial court and sentenced him to life imprisonment on charges ranging from murder to criminal conspiracy.

Rajiv Gandhi was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna award in 1991.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Delhi Assembly on Friday passed a resolution demanding the withdrawal of the Bharat Ratna awarded to the former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991. The resolution, passed by a voice vote, cited the 1984 anti-Sikh riots as the reason behind its demand for the withdrawal of the award.

The Delhi Assembly on Friday passed a resolution demanding the withdrawal of the Bharat Ratna awarded to the former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991. The resolution, passed by a voice vote, cited the 1984 anti-Sikh riots as the reason behind its demand for the withdrawal of the award. AAP MLA Jarnail Singh who moved the resolution said, "Delhi Assembly today declared 1984 anti-Sikh riots as worst genocide in the history of India’s national capital. In a resolution that has been passed today, we have demanded from the Centre that Bharat Ratna should be withdrawn from Former PM Rajiv Gandhi". The resolution said the Delhi government should "strongly" convey in writing to the Union Home Ministry (MHA) that justice continues to elude the families and near-dear ones of the victims of the worst "genocide" in the history of India's national capital. Jarnail Singh,AAP MLA: Delhi Assembly today declared 1984 anti-Sikh riots as worst genocide in the history of India’s national capital. In a resolution that has been passed today we have demanded from the Centre that Bharat Ratna should be withdrawn from Former PM Rajiv Gandhi. pic.twitter.com/g9uskxBe36 — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2018 × The resolution was passed days after the High Court passed a historic verdict on the anti-Sikh riots. The court on December 17 reversed the acquittal of former Congress leader Sajjan Kumar by the trial court and sentenced him to life imprisonment on charges ranging from murder to criminal conspiracy. Rajiv Gandhi was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna award in 1991. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi Assembly passes resolution demanding withdrawal of Rajiv Gandhi's Bharat Ratna

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