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The decision has revived speculation about possible political realignments.
Two names have drawn political attention— former Kerala Chief Minister V S Achyutanandan and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder Shibu Soren. (File images)
The Centre on Sunday unveiled the names of recipients of the prestigious Padma Awards 2026. President Droupadi Murmu has approved the conferment of 131 Padma Awards, comprising five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri Awards.
Meanwhile, two names have drawn political attention— former Kerala Chief Minister V S Achyutanandan and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) founder Shibu Soren— who have been awarded Padma Vibhushan and Padma Bhushan, respectively.
V S Achyutanandan
Late V S Achyutanandan, a doyen of Left politics in Kerala and former CPI(M) leader, has been awarded the Padma Vibhushan posthumously for his contribution to public life. The former CPI (M) leader has been awarded the second-highest civilian honour in the Politics category.
The announcement came ahead of Kerala assembly election and days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a visit to the state, publicly showed warmth towards Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at a gathering.
Meanwhile, Achyutanandan’s family welcomed the decision. His son, V A Arun Kumar, confirmed that the family would accept the award. “The honour given to my father is very valuable, and we are happy to accept it,” he said as quoted by news agency PTI.
However, leaders from the Left questioned the timing of the move. CPI leader D Raja alleged that the BJP was attempting to appeal to Left-leaning voters. “They tried with Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee also. A Padma was announced for him before the Bengal polls, but it did not reap political dividends for the BJP,” Raja told CNN-News18.
Shibu Soren
Another name drawing attention is JMM founder and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren, popularly known as “Guruji,” who has been awarded Padma Bhushan posthumously for his contribution to public life.
Jharkhand BJP welcomed the announcement and said that Shibu Soren played a decisive role in the Jharkhand movement.
“The way Shibu Soren fought against addiction and the mahajani pratha, and the role he played in the Jharkhand movement, is remembered by one and all. He became Chief Minister in adverse circumstances and steered the state on the right path. We welcome the announcement,” Jharkhand BJP spokesperson Pratyul Sehdeo said.
However, JMM insiders indicated displeasure over the level of the honour.
“If V S Achyutanandan and Dharmendra are worthy of the Padma Vibhushan, how can Guruji be given only the Padma Bhushan? This might hurt tribal sentiments,” a source close to Soren family told CNN-News18.
JMM functionaries further said that the Padma Bhushan may not be well received by Shibu Soren’s supporters or family members, who are expected to return to India later this week after foreign visit.
The Padma announcement has also revived speculation about possible political realignments in Jharkhand. Rumours have circulated since Prime Minister Modi visited Chief Minister Hemant Soren at the hospital around the time Shibu Soren passed away.
The Padma Awards list also highlighted a regional spread ahead of elections in several states. Poll-bound Tamil Nadu received 13 Padma awards, including two Padma Bhushans, while West Bengal got 11 and Kerala eight. Assam, which will also go to the polls soon, received five Padma honours.
January 25, 2026, 21:13 IST
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