Delhi: Former Maharashtra Governor and senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Bhagat Singh Koshyari has firmly responded to the political storm surrounding his Padma Bhushan award, stating that public approval or criticism has never guided his work. Addressing the controversy, Koshyari made it clear that his loyalty remains with the nation and the ideology he has followed for decades.
Reacting to the criticism, Koshyari said he was unfazed by political reactions to the honour. “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,” he said, underlining that his commitment has always been rooted in service rather than recognition.
The former Uttarakhand Chief Minister’s remarks came after Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut objected strongly to the Centre’s decision to confer the Padma Bhushan on Koshyari. Raut accused the Union government of rewarding those who, according to him, played a role in destabilising Maharashtra’s elected government. He linked the honour to the period when the Shiv Sena split into two factions during Koshyari’s tenure as Governor, a political episode that continues to spark intense debate in the state.
Taking to social media, Raut alleged that democracy and constitutional values were compromised in Maharashtra and claimed that leaders associated with those events were now being rewarded. He also revived past controversies, accusing Koshyari of making remarks that hurt sentiments linked to iconic figures such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and social reformers Mahatma Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule.
The criticism drew a sharp counter-response from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who dismissed the objections as politically motivated. Defending Koshyari, Fadnavis said that his contribution to public life could not be ignored. “Bhagat Singh Koshyari has worked consistently for society and national causes. He chaired the One Rank, One Pension committee, and based on that report, the government implemented a long-pending demand of soldiers,” the Chief Minister said.
Fadnavis further added that Koshyari’s role in strengthening India’s relations with Nepal was a significant factor behind the honour. He remarked that questioning national awards based on political disagreements reflected a narrow mindset and stressed that Padma awards should not be viewed through the lens of party politics.
