Archive · 26 Jan 2026
Opposition Criticizes Koshyari's Padma Bhushan Award
The Indian government gave a big award called the Padma Bhushan to a former governor named Bhagat Singh Koshyari.
But many people are upset because they think he did not deserve it.
Koshyari made some hurtful comments about important Marathi figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Mahatma Phule.
He also said some things about Mumbai that made people angry.
Even though he later said he was sorry, the opposition parties think giving him this award is wrong.
They say he should not be honored for his actions.
The Congress leaders also criticized the decision and even declined awards presented by Koshyari.
The Supreme Court had also said that Koshyari acted illegally during his tenure as governor.
Opposition parties criticize the central government for awarding Padma Bhushan to former Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari.
Koshyari is accused of making controversial and disrespectful statements about Marathi icons and Mumbai.
Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sanjay Raut calls the honor a 'murder of democracy and the Constitution'.
Former Maharashtra CM Prithviraj Chavan and Congress leaders Harshwardhan Sapkal and Varsha Gaikwad question what Koshyari did to merit the award.
AAP spokesperson Mukund Kirdat says Koshyari's actions have lowered the prestige of the civilian honor.
- Who
- Bhagat Singh Koshyari, opposition parties including Shiv Sena, AAP, former Maharashtra CM Prithviraj Chavan, Congress leaders Harshwardhan Sapkal and Varsha Gaikwad
- What
- Controversy over Koshyari receiving the Padma Bhushan award
- When
- Recent, with historical context of Koshyari's tenure as Maharashtra Governor
- Where
- Maharashtra, India
- Why
- Opposition believes Koshyari's actions and statements do not merit the civilian honor
Opposition Parties
Central Government
Merit of the Award
Opposition Parties
Koshyari does not deserve the Padma Bhushan due to his controversial statements and actions.
Central Government
The central government believes Koshyari's contributions warrant the award.
Respect for Maharashtra's Icons
Opposition Parties
Koshyari's disrespectful remarks about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Mahatma Phule, and Savitribai Phule are unacceptable.
Central Government
The central government does not comment on the specific remarks but stands by the award decision.
Role as Governor
Opposition Parties
Koshyari acted illegally and undemocratically during his tenure, including attempting to topple the Uddhav Thackeray-led government.
Central Government
The central government supports Koshyari's actions as governor.
- Award
- Padma Bhushan
- Recipient
- Bhagat Singh Koshyari
- Controversial Statements
- Insults to Marathi icons, controversial remarks about Mumbai
- Opposition Reactions
- Criticism from Shiv Sena, AAP, former CM Prithviraj Chavan, Congress leaders Harshwardhan Sapkal and Varsha Gaikwad
- Retractions
- Koshyari retracted some of his controversial statements
- Governor's Role
- Accusations of political interference in Maharashtra government formation
- Historical Context
- Comments on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Mahatma Phule
- Congress Reaction
- Congress leaders declined awards presented by Koshyari
- Supreme Court's Stance
- Supreme Court ruled that Koshyari acted illegally during his tenure
Sources
Govt rubbed salt in wounds of Marathi manoos: Opp on Koshyari getting Padma Bhushan
Bhagat Singh Koshyari, who served as Uttarakhand CM, Maharashtra Governor, awarded Padma Bhushan
Insult to Maharashtra: Oppn on Padma award to Koshyari
'Don't Work For Someone's Appreciation Or Criticism': Former Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari On Criticism Over Being Awarded Padma Bhushan
Insult to Maharashtra, say Cong, NCP (SP) leaders on Padma Bhushan to former Guv Koshyari
Why Opposition Is Unhappy With Padma Honour To Maharashtra's Ex-Governor
