Maharashtra government will recommend to the central government to confer Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honour, on 19th century social reformer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today said.
"The state government will recommend to the Centre that Bharat Ratna be given to Phule," he said in the Legislative Assembly.
The government will also organise various programmes on the occasion of 125th death anniversary year of the great social reformer, Fadnavis added.
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"Mahatma Jyotiba Phule's work occupies a unique position among other social reformers of the State. He revolted against the unjust caste system under which millions of people had suffered for centuries. The government will hold various programmes as a tribute to him this year and spread his thoughts among the people," Fadnavis said.
BJP MLA Manisha Chaudhary demanded that the government should also recommend name of Phule's wife Savitribai for Bharat Ratna.
"Savitribai Phule, wife of Jyotiba Phule, should also get a Bharat Ratna as she had contributed along with her husband in the social reform sector," she said.
Welcoming the government's move, opposition leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil said, "the government should recommend to declare Bharat Ratna for the leader (Phule) on the behalf of the House and not (on behalf of) government".
