Khurshid finds Anna Hazare 'no real gem' to offer Bharat Ratna

Dehradun, Jan 27 (ANI): Union Law and Justice Minister Salman Khurshid on Friday said only the most distinguished persons who are held in high prestige, deserve the country's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna.

"I do not think that the Bharat Ratna should be considered so inferior. Highly distinguished and selected people are presented with Bharat Ratna and we should keep it that way only. There is no bar on anybody respecting or appreciating someone," Khurshid told reporters here.

"We can do it, media can do it, even the common people and any organisation can do it, but Bharat Ratna, we limit to people who truly are like the gemstones of our country," he added.

Khurshid's remark's came in the wake of Bollywood actor Anupam Kher's comments that veteran anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare should be conferred the Bharat Ratna.

The Law Minister, however, praised Hazare's anti-corruption crusade, but said only legislations and public speeches would not lead to the eradication of graft from the Indian society.

Khurshid said the development work undertaken in Hazare's native village Ralegan Siddhi could be an inspiration for everyone.

"A lot has happened and a lot needs to be done. But only by saying things one cannot expect miracles to happen and that everything will be fine. It is not possible. There is need to take concrete step and this cannot happen by merely formulating a law or by giving speeches," said Khurshid.

"There are different ways. How development can be done in a village, he has set an example of Ralegan Siddhi, it can be an inspiration for others, but whatever you can do in a village, you cannot do in a big city," he added. (ANI)