In a sharp political confrontation, opposition parties on Sunday vehemently condemned the central government's move to confer the prestigious Padma Bhushan award on former Maharashtra governor Bhagat Singh Koshiyari. The criticism centers on allegations that Koshiyari compromised the sanctity of his constitutional position by facilitating the collapse of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government during his gubernatorial term.
Opposition Outcry Over Constitutional Violations
Shiv Sena (UBT) parliamentarian Sanjay Raut launched a scathing attack, asserting that even the Supreme Court had indicated Koshiyari's actions as governor were legally questionable. Through a social media post, Raut accused the Modi government of honoring individuals who "murdered democracy and the Indian Constitution in Maharashtra" to establish the current Shinde-BJP administration.
"For murdering democracy and the Indian Constitution in Maharashtra to install the Shinde-BJP government, these gentlemen have been honoured by the Modi government with the Padma Bhushan," Raut declared. "The same gentleman had insulted Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Mahatma Phule couple. The BJP honours those who insult Maharashtra!"
Demand for Government Condemnation
Addressing journalists, Raut further demanded that the ruling Mahayuti coalition—including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde—publicly denounce the decision to award Koshiyari. The opposition leader emphasized that Koshiyari had allegedly disrespected revered figures including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and social reformers Mahatma Phule and Savitribai Phule.
Raut reiterated claims that Koshiyari actively worked to destabilize the democratically elected Thackeray government, aiming to install BJP leadership in Maharashtra. This perspective found support from Congress leader Varsha Gaikwad, who asserted that the BJP has consistently shown disrespect toward Maharashtra's historical leaders and constitutional symbols.
"Honouring such a person with a Padma award is an insult to Maharashtra," Gaikwad stated unequivocally.
Koshiyari's Response and Political Backing
In contrast to the criticism, Koshiyari maintained that his service was never motivated by external validation. Speaking to news agency ANI, the former Uttarakhand chief minister affirmed his dedication to national service and his ideological roots.
"I don't work for someone's appreciation or criticism. I am a worker of the RSS, and for me Bharat Mata is everything. I will continue to work for Bharat Mata," Koshiyari declared.
Chief Minister's Defense
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis robustly defended the former governor, highlighting Koshiyari's societal contributions and developmental work. Fadnavis countered Raut's allegations by suggesting that only "small-minded people" would oppose the Padma Bhushan recognition.
"Bhagat Singh Koshiyari has contributed to society and worked for development," Fadnavis asserted. "The committee on 'One Rank, One Pension' was also chaired by him, and based on its report, the Indian government agreed to the demand."
Fadnavis further noted that Koshiyari received the honor for strengthening India-Nepal relations and cautioned against politicizing Padma award decisions across different administrations.
Controversial Gubernatorial Tenure
Koshiyari served as Maharashtra governor from 2019 to 2023, a period marked by multiple controversies and political tensions. Former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had previously accused Koshiyari of excessive gubernatorial activism, particularly citing the governor's failure to fill twelve vacant seats in the state Legislative Council despite government recommendations.
The former governor also faced significant backlash for describing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as "an icon of the olden times," a remark widely perceived as disrespectful toward the revered Maratha warrior king. These incidents have fueled the current opposition argument that honoring Koshiyari with a national award undermines both constitutional propriety and Maharashtra's cultural heritage.
