The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution requesting the Union Government to confer the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, on Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule. The resolution was tabled by Minister of Protocol Jaykumar Rawal.

Speaking on the occasion, former Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal expressed that the honour of the title ‘Mahatma’ should not be diminished while bestowing this award. In response, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis explained that the title ‘Mahatma’ signifies public acceptance and admiration, whereas the Bharat Ratna represents governmental recognition. Therefore, there is no question of the honour associated with the title ‘Mahatma’ being diminished.