After former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya refused to accept Padma Bhushan on Tuesday, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut claimed that the refusal to accept national awards has increased in the last 5 to 6 years.

"Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee is a big leader in Bengal. Leaders like Bhattacharya not only earn respect while they are alive but are also loved after death. Three others have also refused the awards this time. Refusal of the award has increased since the last 5 to 6 years", said Sanjay Raut.