The BJP today voiced its support to the growing demand to confer the Bharat Ratna on cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, saying both the batsman and the award deserve each other.
"Tendulkar has already won the hearts of the country through his talents, capabilities and conduct. In the eyes of
the people, he is already Bharat's ratna. Conferring Bharat Ratna on him is not only an honour for him, but it is an honour for the nation's highest civilian award too," BJP leader Prakash Javadekar told reporters outside Parliament here.
"The government should immediately take up the case to honour Sachin Tendulkar with the Bharat Ratna to fulfil the wishes of the people. Because, he is not only a great cricketer and a sportperson, but is also a great human being," he said.
Javadekar said, "the humility with which he conducts himself, his calibre, capacity and conduct is a great thing we have seen over all these years. We must appreciate the people's feelings," he said.
Another senior BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu supported the idea of conferring the cricketer with Bharat Ratna, as there has been an overwhelming demand among the people for the same.