The Maharashtra Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution seeking Bharat Ratna posthumously to social reformer couple Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule. Minister Jaikumar Rawal moved the resolution in the Assembly. Senior minister and NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal said that while the resolution will be passed unanimously and is supported by all, it should be noted that only two individuals in India are known as Mahatma, who are Mahatma Phule and Mahatma Gandhi. “I am not against giving Bharat Ratna to Mahatma Phule, but it should be kept in mind that his (Phule's) greatness should not be limited to any award," he said. Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar said the Maharashtra government should not stop at passing this resolution but must actively take the follow-up with the Central government for the same. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that Mahatma is a title indicative of Lok Manyata (people's recognition) and acceptance, while Bharat Ratna is indicative of Raj Manyata (state recognition). The Assembly unanimously passed the resolution.
