Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, former Bengal CM, says NO to Padma Bhushan

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has denied accepting the Padma Bhushan award, minutes after an official announcement confirming India's third-highest civilian honour to him. "I know nothing about this award. No one has told me anything about it. If they have decided to offer Padma Bhushan to me, I refuse to accept it," Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee said.

Echoing the words of the former Communist Chief Minister of West Bengal, the CPI(M) said in a statement, “ Comrade Buddhadeb Bhattacharya who was nominated for the Padma Bhushan award has declined to accept it. The CPI(M) policy has been consistent in declining such awards from the State. Our work is for the people not for awards. Comrade EMS who was earlier offered an award had declined it.”

On the other hand, senior BJP leader and MP Ravi Shankar Prasad took to Twitter and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for conferring Padma Bhushan awards to senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya.

“Conferring Padma Bhushan to Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad and CPM leader and former Chief Minister of West Bengal Buddhadeb Bhattacharya Ji is a recognition of their contributions in public life. This also shows generosity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his commitment in democratic values,” tweeted Prasad.

A CPI(M) leader, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee was the Chief Minister of West Bengal from 2000 to 2011. The Padma Awards are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service), Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of higher-order) and Padma Shri (distinguished service). The award seeks to recognise achievements in all fields of activities or disciplines where an element of public service is involved.