Bharat Ratna for Vajpayee, Netaji, Malviya, Dhyan Chand and Kanshi Ram?

Speculation is rife that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose may be named for the country's highest civilian award Bharat Ratna.

The speculation has been fuelled by the Union home ministry placing an order of five Bharat Ratna medallions.

Some media reports also stated that the government is also considering awarding Bharat Ratnas to freedom fighter and founder of Benaras Hindu University Madan Mohan Malviya, hockey icon Dhyanchand and Bahujan Samaj Party founder Kanshi Ram.

Bharatiya Janata Party leaders have in the past demanded Bharat Ratna be awarded to Vajpayee.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is heading the BJP-led government now, would take call on this and probably would announced it in his Independence Day speech.

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Among others whose names are being speculated is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

A senior Home Ministry official said that four days back the government mint had been asked to make for five medallions of the Bharat Ratna.

"But ordering five medallions does not mean that five persons will be bestowed with Bharat Ratna. This is to keep adequate number of medallions in reserve," he said.

Besides, the government's rule for Bharat Ratna is clear that the number of annual awards is restricted to a maximum of three in a particular year.

The recommendation for Bharat Ratna is made by the Prime Minister himself to the President. No formal recommendation for this is necessary.