ThePrint ThePrintPod: Political messaging in Padma awards: Poll-bound Kerala & Bengal figure high in cross-party outreach
Jan 26, 2026
A look at how Padma awards are being used as political messaging across poll-bound states. Discussion of notable awardees from Kerala, Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Assam and what their recognition signals. Coverage of controversial posthumous honours and shifting party reactions. Examination of regional tallies and the electoral context behind civilian awards.
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Awards As Cross-Party Messaging
- The Padma Awards were used to reach across political lines and appeal to voters in poll-bound states.
- The strategy signals an attempt to rise above partisan divides while rewarding BJP-aligned figures.
V.S. Achuthanandan Award And Party Reaction
- V.S. Achuthanandan received a posthumous Padma Bhushan and his family accepted it despite past left refusals.
- The CPM initially posted praise then deleted it, showing a shift and sensitivity in party stance.
Left's Historical Refusal Softens Briefly
- The CPM has historically declined state awards but showed a momentary softening for Achuthanandan.
- Kerala accepted multiple high civilian honours this year, signaling broader political optics.