National Award to SRK due to Bihar elections? Congress leader questions timing, Shiv Sena hits back

Shah Rukh Khan received National Award for Best Actor for his film Jawan. This is his first ever National Award in 33 years of his acting career.

The Shiv Sena on Thursday lashed out at Congress leader Bhai Jagtap for linking Shah Rukh Khan's National Award to the upcoming elections in Bihar.

Speaking to PTI, Jagtap questioned the timing of the honour given to the Bollywood superstar, suggesting that the BJP-led government is trying to "create a perception".

National Awards are prestigious honors given by the government of India to recognize excellence and outstanding contributions in fields like cinema and literature. Shah Rukh Khan received his first National Film Award for Best Actor for his role in "Jawan".

Earlier, BJP leader Raj Purohit said that the Congress government overlooked Shah Rukh Khan but BJP recognised his talent.

In response, Jagtap said that such remarks indicate that the award was "planned because of the election".

"Is it so? Do you feel BJP counts merit? This is not the first time BJP is in power, earlier Atal Bihari Vajpayee was there as PM, most importantly, Shah Rukh Khan is a name, he has reached this position, the whole world knows him. I want to say to these sycophants, many people have been given awards earlier, then why they waited for 11 years... Is it because of Bihar election, SC observation on Maharashtra election? They are trying to make a perception. I want to congratulate Shah Rukh Khan, he is respected all over the world. But such comments show that it is planned because of the election," he said.

The remark drew the ire of NDA leaders, with Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde saying that Congress no longer has topics or issues to raise, adding that levelling needless allegations is their only job.

Shiv Sena leader Krishna Hegde said: "The Congress party and its leaders seem to have a problem with everything. To connect the actor's National Award with the polls is malicious, mischievous, and atrocious."

The National Film Award winners were announced in August, with Shah Rukh Khan named Best Actor in a Leading Role. After the announcement, SRK had taken to social media to share an emotional video of gratitude for his fans, team, family, and colleagues.