The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved a resolution requesting the Central government to award the Bharat Ratna to Ratan Tata.

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October : The Maharashtra Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, passed a resolution on Thursday urging the Central government to award the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian honor, to veteran industrialist Ratan Tata, who passed away in Mumbai. This decision was made in recognition of his outstanding contributions. During the state cabinet meeting, tributes were offered to Padma Vibhushan Ratan Tata. A condolence resolution was also passed to mourn his passing. Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons, passed away on Wednesday at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai at the age of 86. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced that the last rites would be conducted with full state honors. An official statement from the Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Office declared a one-day state mourning to honor Ratan Tata. In an earlier post on X, CM Shinde reflected on Ratan Tata’s determination, particularly following the 2008 Mumbai attacks. He noted that Tata’s decisive actions, courage, and social commitment will always be remembered, adding that his last rites would be carried out with full state honors. Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis described Ratan Tata's death as a "great loss for the country." He highlighted that Ratan Tata was not only a successful industrialist but also a larger-than-life personality because of his contributions to society and the nation. Fadnavis praised Tata for creating successful industries and establishing a brand that elevated India's global image, remarking that his passing leaves a significant void. The mortal remains of Ratan Tata, draped in the national flag, have been placed at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) lawns, allowing the public to pay their last respects. According to a statement from Tata Trust, the final journey of Ratan Tata's remains will commence at 4 pm today. Condolences have poured in from across the nation, including from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Ministers of various states. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid tribute to Ratan Tata on Thursday, remembering him as a globally respected figure. Shah recognized Tata’s exceptional leadership in transforming the Tata Group, particularly at a crucial juncture for the company. "Shri Ratan Tata passed away yesterday. I extend my heartfelt tributes to him. He was a respected industrialist not just in India but across the world. He took over the leadership of Tata Group at a time when significant changes were needed," Shah said. Born on December 28, 1937, in Mumbai, Ratan Tata was the Chairman of Ratan Tata Trust and Dorabji Tata Trust, two of India's largest private-sector philanthropic organizations. He served as Chairman of Tata Sons, the holding company of the Tata Group, from 1991 until his retirement in 2012, after which he was named Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons. In 2008, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the nation’s second-highest civilian award.