Former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar and senior BJP leader Shri Sushil Kumar Modi has been posthumously conferred the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, for his remarkable contribution to Public Affairs.
A stalwart of Bihar politics, Sushil Kumar Modi dedicated over four decades to public service. He played a pivotal role in Bihar’s political and economic transformation, serving multiple terms as the Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister. Known for his fiscal discipline, Modi was instrumental in introducing gender budgeting in the state and steering Bihar toward a revenue-surplus economy.
His legacy also includes key national contributions. As Chairman of the Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers, he was a driving force behind the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), shaping India’s biggest tax reform. He served as a Member of both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and was known for his articulate, issue-based politics and leadership in the BJP.
The award was received on his behalf by his wife, Mrs. Jessie Sushil Modi, at the official Padma Awards ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan earlier this year. In her statement, she expressed gratitude to the Government of India and said the honour reflected his tireless dedication to the people of Bihar.
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. Leaders from the BJP, JD(U), and even opposition parties acknowledged his statesmanship, integrity, and deep understanding of governance.
Shri Sushil Kumar Modi’s Padma Bhushan stands as a tribute to a leader who exemplified political acumen, public accountability, and unwavering service to the nation.
