Former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and Late Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya will be honoured with Bharat Ratna, the country's highest civilian award. The announcement was made in a press communique issued by the Rashtrapati Bhawan today. The announcement to confer the award on Mr.Vajpayee has been made on the eve of his 90th birthday which is being celebrated as Good Governance Day tomorrow.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed delight at the Bharat Ratna being conferred on Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya and Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. In a series of tweets, Mr Modi said, country's highest honour to these illustrious stalwarts is a fitting recognition of their service to the Nation. Mr Modi said, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya is remembered as a phenomenal scholar and freedom fighter who lit the spark of national consciousness among people. The Prime Minister said, Mr Vajpayee is a guide, inspiration and giant among giants and his contribution to India is invaluable.

Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee's first stint as Prime Minister in 1996 lasted for 13 days. Mr Vajpayee again became the Prime Minister for 13 months in 1998 but his government collapsed after J Jayalalithaa withdrew her support from the coalition. In 1999 he became the Prime Minister for the third time. Mr Vajpayee holds the credit of completing full term as the first non-Congress Prime Minister. Mr.Vajpayee was elected to the Lok Sabha nine times, and twice to the Rajya Sabha .The former Prime Minister retired from active politics due to health concerns. Decision to honour Mr Vajpayee with the highest civilian decoration has been widely welcomed.