However, when it comes to the Bharat Ratna — the nation’s highest civilian award — the dark art of politics has ensured that such consensus remains elusive. As a result, the India of Old had witnessed the filing of legal petitions protesting the government’s decision to confer the Bharat Ratna on some individuals. It remains intent, much like its principal political rival, on using the Bharat Ratna to meet express political goals. But political patronage is only a minor problem in this context. These patriots have a greater claim on the Bharat Ratna.

Source: The Telegraph October 17, 2019 20:03 UTC