The announcement of the 2026 Padma Awards has turned into a major political flashpoint in Maharashtra. The decision to honour former state Governor Bhagat Singh Koshiyari with the Padma Bhushan—the nation’s third-highest civilian award—has been met with fierce backlash from opposition parties, who are calling it nothing short of an “insult to Maharashtra.”
At the heart of the controversy is Koshiyari’s tenure as Governor during one of the most turbulent periods in Maharashtra’s recent political history—the dramatic collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition government in June 2022 [[1]]. Critics allege that his actions as constitutional head were partisan and instrumental in facilitating the BJP-Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) takeover.
Table of Contents
- Why Koshiyari’s Padma Bhushan Is Controversial
- Opposition Outrage: ‘Insult to Maharashtra’
- Koshiyari and the MVA Collapse: A Recap
- CM Fadnavis Defends the Award
- What the Padma Bhushan Really Signifies
- Public and Expert Reactions
- Conclusion: Politics or Recognition?
- Sources
Why Koshiyari’s Padma Bhushan Is Controversial
While the Padma Awards are meant to celebrate exceptional service in any field—public affairs, arts, science, social work—the timing and recipient choice have raised eyebrows. For many in Maharashtra, especially supporters of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction), NCP, and Congress, Koshiyari’s name is synonymous with constitutional overreach and political bias [[2]].
His alleged remarks demeaning Marathi icons like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Balasaheb Thackeray during his tenure further inflamed regional sentiments, making the award feel like a deliberate provocation to a large section of the state’s population [[3]].
Opposition Outrage: ‘Insult to Maharashtra’
Opposition leaders didn’t hold back. NCP chief Sharad Pawar called the decision “deeply unfortunate,” while Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut stated bluntly: “Honouring someone who played a key role in destabilizing a democratically elected government is an insult to the people of Maharashtra” [[4]].
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also weighed in, tweeting: “When constitutional morality is sacrificed for political gain, rewarding its enablers only deepens the wound.”
The core argument is this: if the Governor’s role is to be neutral and above politics, then recognising a figure accused of partisan conduct sets a dangerous precedent and undermines public trust in constitutional offices [[INTERNAL_LINK:role-of-governor-in-india]].
Koshiyari and the MVA Collapse: A Recap
In June 2022, the MVA government—comprising Shiv Sena (Thackeray), NCP, and Congress—collapsed after a rebellion led by Eknath Shinde. The crisis reached the Governor’s office when Uddhav Thackeray sought to prove his majority on the floor of the Assembly.
Koshiyari, however, refused the request and instead asked Thackeray to resign, citing a letter from Shinde claiming the support of 40 MLAs. He then invited Shinde to form a new government—a move later scrutinized by the Supreme Court.
In May 2023, a Supreme Court bench observed that Koshiyari’s decision to call for a floor test was “arguably flawed,” though it stopped short of declaring it illegal due to the passage of time and subsequent elections [[5]]. This judicial observation has since been cited repeatedly by opposition parties to question his impartiality.
CM Fadnavis Defends the Award
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, leading the current BJP-Shiv Sena (Shinde) government, strongly defended the honour. “Bhagat Singh Koshiyari has dedicated his life to public service and grassroots development,” Fadnavis said. “His contributions to tribal welfare, education, and democratic institution-building span decades” [[6]].
Fadnavis emphasized that the Padma Bhushan was not for his gubernatorial role but for his lifelong work in society—particularly in Uttarakhand, his home state, where he served as Chief Minister and championed rural upliftment programs [[7]].
What the Padma Bhushan Really Signifies
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Padma Bhushan is awarded for “distinguished service of a high order” without distinction of race, occupation, position, or sex [[8]]. Past recipients include scientists, artists, bureaucrats, and politicians—often sparking debate about the line between merit and political favour.
Critics argue that in recent years, the awards have become increasingly politicized, used to reward loyalty or send symbolic messages. Supporters counter that every awardee undergoes a rigorous selection process by a high-level committee.
Public and Expert Reactions
Social media in Maharashtra has been divided. While BJP supporters hail Koshiyari as a veteran leader deserving of recognition, others see the award as tone-deaf. Political analyst Dr. Ashok Patil noted, “In a state still healing from political trauma, this award feels less like an honour and more like a political statement” [[9]].
Conclusion: Politics or Recognition?
The Padma Bhushan for Koshiyari controversy is less about the award itself and more about memory, perception, and political narrative. For the opposition, it’s a reminder of a government they believe was unfairly toppled. For the ruling alliance, it’s a tribute to a senior leader’s lifetime of service.
But in Maharashtra’s emotionally charged political landscape, symbolism carries weight. And for millions who saw the MVA collapse as a betrayal of democratic norms, this honour feels like salt on an open wound.
Sources
- Times of India: ‘Insult to Maharashtra’: Oppn slams Padma Bhushan for Koshiyari; ex-governor shrugs off criticism
- The Hindu: Maharashtra opposition criticises Padma Bhushan to Koshiyari
- Indian Express: Koshiyari’s Padma Bhushan: Why Maharashtra’s opposition is furious
- Supreme Court of India: MVA Government Case Judgment Summary (May 2023)
- Ministry of Home Affairs: Official Padma Awards Portal