New Delhi, Aug 8 (PTI) The Congress on Thursday congratulated former president Pranab Mukherjee after he was conferred with the 'Bharat Ratna', the country's highest civilian award.

"We congratulate former president Pranab Mukherjee for receiving the Bharat Ratna. He worked tirelessly across multiple decades to serve the people of India in multiple roles including that as Union Minister in several Congress Governments," the Congress party said on Twitter.

Mukherjee thanked President Ram Nath Kovind for the honour, which he said was more for the people of the country from who he had received much more.

"My heartfelt gratitude to Rashtrapatiji and the people of our nation for bestowing the Bharat Ratna on me. This honour is more for the people of our country from whom I have received much more than I have been able to give," Mukherjee tweeted.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said, "Congratulations to former President of India, Sh Pranab Mukherjee for being awarded Bharat Ratna. He has served the nation selflessly for decades in myriad ways and has inspired an entire generation of politicians with his knowledge, wisdom and experience."

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