"It is indeed heartening and a matter of pride for every Indian to confer Bharat Ratna on two of its most precious gems - Mahamana & Atal ji," Chouhan tweeted soon after the announcement of the prestigious award.
"The 7.5 crore people of MP are grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for conferring Bharat Ratna to India's gems - Atal ji & Malviya ji," Chouhan said in another tweet.
Conferring the country's highest civilian award on Malviya shows that India respects great nationalist educationists, he said.
In another tweet, Chouhan said, "Atal ji, the tallest statesman of our times. An inspiration of service to the nation. Bharat Ratna is least India could confer on her son."
Madhya Pradesh Governor Ram Naresh Yadav also expressed happiness over the government's decision.
"People of the country feel proud on Bharat Ratna being conferred to Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Vajpayee is also a great poet, litterateur and patriot, apart from a political leader," the Governor stated in a press release.
