While Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the award to the "illustrious stalwarts" of the nation was a "fitting recognition" of their service to the nation, Congress welcomed the move and hoped that the NDA government will follow the path of 'Raj Dharam' and secularism shown by them.
"Bharat Ratna being conferred on Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya & Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee is a matter of great delight," Modi tweeted soon after the announcement of the country's highest civilian honour being bestowed on them.
Congress General Secretary and in-charge of media communication Ajay Maken said, "to a certain extent, both represent the Indian thought which is secular and tolerant."
"We hope that this present government will walk in the path shown by these leaders," Maken told reporters here.
Noting that Vajpayee had talked about 'Raj Dharam', Maken said he hopes that the Modi government will keep that in mind and follow it.
Vajpayee's long-time political colleague L K Advani said he was happy with the government decision to bestow the highest civilian award to the former Prime Minister. "I am very happy that Government has decided to honour Atalji with Bharat Ratna."
"Atalji's contribution to the country will always be remembered. I congratulate him. We also wanted Bharat Ratna for Atalji. The UPA government should have given this award to him," he said.