New Delhi: Veteran Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is heading a delegation of the party’s disgruntled leaders against the High Command, became the recipient of one of the prestigious civilian awards; Padma Bhushan.

He received the award from President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. It may be recalled that Azad has faced severe criticism after the Modi government confirmed him with the Padma Bhushan award. The announcement of highest civilian award to him does not goes well within the grand old party. 

"It feels good when the country or the government recognizes someone's work", he reacted after the award.

Adding that he liked being recognized by someone for his work, he claimed that he never stopped working for the people even during his tough phases of life. The Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir said that he has worked for people in the social and political sectors.

"Keeping this in view, I am happy with the award given by the government and the people of the country," he added.

Interestingly, Azad is one of the two leaders from opposition parties who have been selected for the award during the present NDA government.

Citing veteran CPM leader and former Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee's refusal of the award, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh tweeted, "Right thing to do. He wants to be Azad not Ghulam".

Azad replied to his critics, without naming anybody that some people always try to see why such awards are given and who they are being given to. They do not recognize the process and the contribution of the person for attaining this award. This award is given by the nation to me."

The leadership issue in the Congress, for which Azad and the rest of the leaders who wrote to party chief Sonia Gandhi two years ago, is yet to be resolved. The matter has flared up again after the party's crushing defeat in the assembly elections in five states where the Congress registered one of its worst performances.

This year's list comprises four Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan and 107 Padma Shri Awards. 34 of the awardees are women and 13 posthumous awardees.