Union Minister Giriraj Singh said Bharat Ratna should be conferred to Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik. "Bihar was known for decrepit roads, schools...until the ascent to power of Nitish Kumar...Likewise, Naveen Patnaik served Odisha for so many years. Leaders like them deserve the highest honour," Singh added. Bharat Ratna is India's highest civilian award.