New Delhi: RJD supremo hailed Padma Vibhushan award for External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukeherjee today but made a veiled attack on leader of opposition L K Advani on the Bharat Ratna issue. "Pranab Babu is a scholarly person who deserves the honour," Lalu Prasad told reporters after hoisting the national flag at a Republic Day function here.

"Without taking Advani's name, Prasad said "some people are trying to dilute Bharat Ratna's importance by suggesting all sorts of names. Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian hounour and it is wrong to lower its dignity". "Many people came out with many names. Some even suggested my name for it. It should not have been done," he said.

About the selection of other persons for the award, Prasad said, "it is good that many distinguished persons from all walk of life including trade and commerce like Ratan Tata and L N Mittal are chosen for the honour."

Source : PTI