New Delhi: While taking cognizance of the decision of various nominees rejecting the prestigious Padma awards, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) via unknown sources stated that "prospective awardees of the decision to give Padma awards in advance and if anyone objects, he or she is not named".
Amid the ongoing storm of rejecting India's top civilian honors, former Bengal chief minister and Communist leader Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee have also refused to accept Padma Bhushan that was conferred on him by the Narendra Modi-led BJP government.
“I don't know anything about the Padma Bhushan award, nobody told me about it. If I have been awarded the Padma Bhushan, I would have rejected it,” Buddhadeb said in a statement.
However, the sources of the govt have denied Buddhadeb's allegations. "Top MHA official called ailing Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee's house; his wife received it and was informed of Padma Bhushan award to him," PTI reported quoting sources.
Almost 128 eminent personalities for the country's highest civilian awards were named by the Union ministry of home affairs announced hours ago.
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 honor tries to perceive accomplishments in all fields of activities or disciplines where a component of public service is involved.