As the Union government announced a list of 114 recipients for the prestigious Padma civilian awards on the eve of Republic Day, observers on social media quickly spotted a trend.
3 ppl in this march got Padma awards. Madhur, Malini & Anupam Kher. March was for tolerance or Padma awards :) pic.twitter.com/tPvXQyLXOV
— Sir Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhaqat) January 25, 2016
Three of the award winners had participated in the March for India in Delhi in October, protesting against writers and other cultural luminaries who had been returning their awards to express their disquiet over what they said was the rising tide of intolerance in the country. While actor Anupam Kher had led the effort, director Madhur Bhandarkar and singer Malini Awasthi had cheered him on.
The march was seen as an effort to back the government, as supporters of the prime minister had urged people across India to show support for Kher in their own cities and declared that March for India was a "slap in the face" of all liberals daring to call India "intolerant".
On Monday, many attributed the decision to award the trio as a reward for their loyalty. Kher in particular was singled out on social media for criticism, overshadowing even Tamil film superstar Rajinikanth, who will be awarded the Padma Vibhushan.
3 people in this march got Padma awards. Madhur, Malini & Anupam best actors in tolerance #PadmaAward4Bhakts pic.twitter.com/REswo4EDk0
— Aakash Taywade (@AakashTaywade) January 25, 2016
Kher was ecstatic on being selected for the Padma Bhushan and expressed his happiness in a series of tweets. But he was promptly called out for a post six years ago in which he questioned the authenticity of the awards.
Mr. Anupam Kher, what about the Authenticity of Padma Awards in 2016 ? #PadmaAward4Bhakts pic.twitter.com/KvYAekyanA
— Aarti (@aartic02) January 25, 2016
As mudslinging ensued on Twitter, there was the usual humour. Here's a selection.
Look... @AnupamPkher gets Padma Award for Intolerance March! #PadmaAward4Bhakts pic.twitter.com/V0qHASr3fg
— Vinod Mehta (@DrunkVinodMehta) January 25, 2016
These awards are being given so that Bhakts can return them as protest when BJP loses coming Assembly Elections! #PadmaAward4Bhakts
— रत्नप्रिया. (@jimmy9_girl) January 25, 2016
Pro tip on how to get Padma awards. Just organise a rally and name it March for India #PadmaAward4Bhakts
— Dharmesh (@Mumbaiikar) January 25, 2016
Live reactions of Jaitley ji when he saw the Padma Award list #PadmaAward4Bhakts pic.twitter.com/IILDuS50Yc
— শেখর (@MangoBwoy) January 25, 2016
And celebration of #PadmaAward4Bhakts started 😂😂😂😂 PM Kher dancing ?? pic.twitter.com/Atva03kXGO
— Photoshop Kaka (@skull_baba) January 25, 2016
#PadmaAward4Bhakts @anupamkher Chaploosi karne se award milta hai pic.twitter.com/OOVpzLoajs
— Banistan (@NaamHaiAshu) January 25, 2016
Kejri is extremely disappointed to miss on both the Bhushan's; First Prashant & now Padma! #PadmaAward4Bhakts
— Ajay Mishra (@ajaym1986) January 25, 2016