Do you think it is right to politicize Bharat Ratna nomination?

Of course, it’s not right. It’s the highest civilian award in the country. Politics shouldn’t be involved in this matter. BUT given all the wrongs that’s happening in the country, very few cares about a question like yours.

This year, three new Bharat Ratna recipients have been announced: former President of India Pranab Mukherjee, late social activist Nanaji Deshmukh, and late singer Bhupen Hazarika.

(Courtesy: The Wire)

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These three names look fairly deserving. They have contributed in shaping the society in many ways.

However, if you’re looking at the names closely with political scrutiny, it reveals how the government is trying to appease the voters. Or at least that’s how the opposition party looks at it claiming, claiming that it’s one of BJP’s another tactic to woo the voters ahead of General Election 2019.

For instance, Bhupen Hazarika’s name is included in the list in an effort to simmer down the voters in Assam, who have been protesting against the central Government’s Citizenship (Amendment) Bill for weeks. Also, many believe that Pranab Mukherjee is now given this award just to appease the voters in West Bengal.

Of course, it isn’t just the central government who’s using Bharat Ratna award for its political benefit. For example, following the announcement of the names of Bharat Ratna recipient this year, the Karnataka Congress and Janata Dal-Secular came out to criticize the central government for not giving the award to iconic Lingayat seer Shivakumara Swami. It'd be naïve to believe that either of the parties cares about Swami. It’s an equally hypocritical attempt to appease the voters in the state ahead of General Election 2019.