Patna, Nov 18 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Monday sought Bharat Ratna, the country's highest honour, for veteran socialist leader and former chief minister Karpoori Thakur.

"Karpoori Thakur should be given Bharat Ratna," Nitish Kumar told the media here and expressed displeasure over the government's failure to honour the veteran political leader.

He said Karpoori Thakur deserved the Bharat Ratna.

Karpoori Thakur was chief minister of Bihar from December 1970 to June 1971 and from December 1977 to April 1979.

Nitish Kumar downplayed his party MP Shivanand Tiwari's statement questioning the government decision to award Bharat Ratna to cricketer Sachin Tendulkar instead of the legendary hockey player Dhyan Chand.

"It is Tiwari's personal view," the chief minister said.