New Delhi: The Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, in view of nationwide adulation for its cricket idol Sachin Tendulkar, may recommend his name to the President Pranab Mukherjee for bestowing the nation's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna.
With the Padma awards being processed right now for announcement on Republic Day eve, the Prime Minister's Office is seriously considering over bestowing the Bharat Ratna on Sachin Tendulkar.
The PMO received 64 petitions recommending Bharat Ratna for Sachin. No person was given Bharat Ratna in 2011 and 2012.
In 2010, the rules were changed to allow the Bharat Ratna to be given in recognition of an exceptional service or performance of highest order in"any field".
Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan are among the leaders who have recommended Tendulkar for the highest honour.
On Thursday, as Tendulkar went to Wankhede stadium to bat in his final Test, the President Pranab Mukherjee lauded him as a "great ambassador of the game and of India".