Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Raut Alleges Political Motives Behind Bharat Ratna Awards Timing
Mumbai, 11th February 2024: Sanjay Raut, a prominent figure within the Shiv Sena party, has raised concerns regarding the timing and underlying motives behind the recent announcements of Bharat Ratna awards by the central government. Raut voiced apprehensions during a press conference held in Mumbai, alleging that the awards are being bestowed with political advantages in mind, particularly in anticipation of the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Expressing scepticism, Raut asserted that the conferment of Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, appears to be influenced by political considerations rather than solely on merit. He pointed out discrepancies in the number of awardees, highlighting that while traditionally only three individuals are honoured with the Bharat Ratna in a given year, the government has chosen to recognize five recipients on this occasion.
Of particular concern to Raut is the selection of Chaudhary Charan Singh, a former Prime Minister, for the Bharat Ratna. Raut insinuated that Singh’s nomination may be linked to political manoeuvring aimed at securing the allegiance of Jayant Chaudhary (Grandson of Chaudhary Charan Singh), the leader of the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD). This speculation arises amidst ongoing discussions regarding Chaudhary potentially aligning with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), thereby impacting the political landscape.
The timing of the Bharat Ratna announcements, made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, who perceive it as an attempt to garner support ahead of the impending Lok Sabha elections. P. Chidambaram, a senior Congress leader, welcomed the recognition bestowed upon secular and socialist leaders but questioned the timing of the announcement, hinting at political motivations behind the gesture.
