Sun Jan 26 21:45:34 UTC 2025: **Padma Shri Award for Monk Sparks Political Debate in West Bengal**

Kolkata, Jan 27, 2025 – The announcement of the Padma Shri award for Swami Pradipta Nandaji Maharaj (Kartik Maharaj), a monk associated with the Bharat Sevashram Sangha, has ignited a political firestorm in West Bengal. Kartik Maharaj, known for his outspoken views and perceived closeness to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), thanked West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her past criticism, suggesting it inadvertently boosted his profile.

Banerjee had publicly denounced Maharaj during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, accusing him of actively opposing the Trinamool Congress and supporting the BJP. This criticism was subsequently countered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Maharaj has since remained in the spotlight, participating in public events with BJP allies and leading protests against attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh.

The award, given in the category of ‘spirituality’, is seen by some political observers as a politically motivated move, lending weight to Maharaj’s claims of threats against Hindus in West Bengal. The timing is particularly notable given the monk’s activities in the highly contested Murshidabad district, which has a 70% Muslim population.

The Padma Shri list also includes singer Arijit Singh, also from Murshidabad, who received the award for his contributions to Art. Singh’s recent involvement in protests against the rape and murder of a doctor further adds to the complex political landscape of the state. Other recipients include several individuals in the fields of Art, Literature & Education, Trade & Industry, and Social Work.

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