BJP’s demand to honour AB Vajpayee with Bharat Ratna draws mixed response

After the government honoured cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and scientist CNR Rao with the highest civilian award, the BJP criticised Congress party for not bestowing the same honour to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor appreciated Vajpayee's contribution to the country, however, said that the spirit with which Tendulkar was given the honour was different.