Opposition Criticizes Padma Bhushan Award for Koshyari

The Indian government’s decision to award the Padma Bhushan to former Maharashtra governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari has sparked significant backlash from opposition parties in Maharashtra. Critics accuse Koshyari of undermining democracy and the Constitution by facilitating the downfall of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. The announcement was made on October 22, 2023, recognizing Koshyari’s service as governor from September 2019 to February 2023, a period marked by numerous controversies.

Opposition leaders, including Sanjay Raut of the Shiv Sena (UBT), expressed their discontent vehemently. Raut stated that even members of the ruling Mahayuti coalition, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, should denounce the award. He emphasized that Koshyari had previously insulted revered figures such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and social reformers Mahatma Phule and Savitribai Phule.

Maharashtra Congress chief Harshawardhan Sapkal echoed similar sentiments, labeling Koshyari a “perverted person” who violated constitutional norms. He expressed incredulity that someone who had insulted significant historical figures would receive such an honor.

Supriya Sule, a member of parliament from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), also voiced her disappointment. She remarked that Koshyari’s comments about Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule were deemed disrespectful by many. “Being a Governor is a big deal. But when he was here, the comments he made for Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule were disliked by all of us,” Sule noted.

Koshyari’s tenure as governor was marred by several contentious incidents. Notably, in November 2019, he oversaw a controversial early morning swearing-in ceremony that resulted in a brief government led by Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar. Their administration lasted only three days, underscoring the tumultuous political climate.

During his time in office, Koshyari faced criticism for not filling 12 vacant seats in the state Vidhan Parishad, despite recommendations from the Thackeray government. His remarks categorizing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as “an icon of the olden times” ignited public outrage. Additionally, Koshyari’s comments on the marriages of 19th-century social reformers Savitribai and Jyotirao Phule were perceived as mocking and insensitive.

In response to the controversy surrounding the award, CM Fadnavis publicly congratulated Koshyari, stating, “Warmest congratulations to Hon. Bhagat Singh Koshyari ji, former governor of Maharashtra, on being honoured with the Padma Bhushan Award for 2026. His illustrious journey in public life and his steadfast contributions to governance and nation-building stand as a source of inspiration for generations.”

The awarding of the Padma Bhushan to Koshyari highlights the ongoing political divide in Maharashtra and raises questions about the criteria for such national honors. As the opposition continues to voice their strong objections, the implications of this decision will likely resonate in the state’s political landscape for some time.