Maharashtra Padma Controversy: Sena UBT Slams Centre for Honouring Bhagat Singh Koshyari
A fresh political controversy has erupted in Maharashtra after the Union government announced a Padma award for former Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. The decision has triggered sharp criticism from the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) faction of the Shiv Sena, which has accused the Centre of ignoring the sentiments of Maharashtra and rewarding a leader whose past remarks had sparked widespread outrage. The row once again underlines how national honours, meant to celebrate public service and achievement, often become flashpoints in India’s deeply polarised political landscape. Why Bhagat Singh Koshyari’s Padma Honour Is Controversial Bhagat Singh Koshyari served as the Governor of Maharashtra from 2019 to 2023. During his tenure, he found himself at the centre of several controversies, most notably over his comments on iconic Marathi figures such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and social reformer Jyotirao Phule. H...