New Delhi: As the government announced the Padma Bhushan award to senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on the eve of Republic Day, it evoked mixed reactions from his party colleagues.
Ramesh also retweeted former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, who declined the Padma Bhushan award. Along with Azad, Bhattacharya was also named in the list of awardees.
“I don't know anything about the Padma Bhushan. No one has told me anything about it. If indeed they have given me the Padma Bhushan, then I reject it,” read Bhattacharjee's statement issued in Bengali.
Kapil Sibal said: "Congratulations bhaijan . Ironic that the Congress doesn't need his services when the nation recognises his contributions to public life."
Ghulam Nabi Azad conferred Padam Bhushan
Congratulations bhaijan
Ironic that the Congress doesn’t need his services when the nation recognises his contributions to public life
Tharoor congratulated the former Jammu and Kashmir CM on being conferred with the Padma award. “Warm congratulations to Shri @ghulamnazad on his Padma Bhushan. It is good to be recognized for one's public service even by a government of the other side,” his tweeted.
Azad is part of the group of 23 which has been critical of the party leadership and wanted a chance at the helm. (UNI)