New Delhi: Some Congress leaders didn't leave the opportunity to take a jibe at the party after Ghulam Nabi Azad has been conferred with the Padma Bhushan on the eve of the 73rd Republic Day on Tuesday.
Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal, a member of the group of 23 Congress leaders who pitched for organisational overhaul in the party, came out openly against the party while congratulating Ghulam Nabi Azad for Padma Bhushan.
Sibal tweeted,”It was ironic that the Congress does not need his services when the nation recognises his contributions to public life.”
Veteran Congress leader and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who was also part of the group of 23 (G-23), has been named in the Padma Bhushan awardee list for his contribution to public affairs.
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On the other hand, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who is most active on social media, congratulated Ghulam Nabi Azad for the award. "It is good to be recognised for one's public service even by a government of the other side," Tharoor tweeted.
On the other hand, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took a jibe at Azad on Tuesday saying, "Right thing to do. He wants to be Azad, not Ghulam."
Ramesh has remained a staunch supporter of the Gandhi family retweeted the news of former West Bengal chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya who declined the Padma award.
Ghulam Nabi Azad began his political career in 1973 as a member of the Youth Congress. He was spotted by Indira Gandhi, who has appreciated for his simple and straightforward personality.
Rajya Sabha bid farewell to the Congress's Ghulam Nabi Azad and leader of Opposition as he retired last year after his term came to an end.