Patna: His acrimony for BJP notwithstanding, JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar today supported the demand for Bharat Ratna for the saffron party's tallest leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

"Vajpayee jee should have been bestowed with Bharat Ratna during UPA government itself. I strongly support Bharat Ratna for Vajpayee jee," he told reporters emerging from Legislative Council where he is a member now.