Abhishek gets UP's top honour

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Lucknow: The Mulayam Singh Yadav government in Uttar Pradesh is using the next generation of Bachchans to promote his political agenda – just ahead of the polls next year the state government felicitated Abhishek Bachchan among 11 others, with the Yash Bharti Award.

Abhishek, who was felicitated with the award on Monday in Lucknow, is the fourth in his family to receive the recognition.

The award is one of the highest honours given out by the UP government. Abhishek’s grandfather Harivansh Rai Bachchan, renowned poets Kaifi Azmi and Gopal Das Neeraj, were among the first ones to be felicitated with this award.

The recognition carries with it Rs 5 lakh in cash and a citation. However, Abhishek has decided to donate the amount to the state Hindi Sansthan.

"I'm a part of the third generation of Bachchans and today with the blessings and teachings of my grandfather, Dr Harivanshrai Bachchan, I humbly accept this award," Abhishek says.

Abhishek’s parents and superstars Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan were also present at the ceremony as was family friend and Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh.

The state government instituted the Yash Bharti Award in 1994-95 and 54 personalities have been conferred this honour so far.

Sparks Fly in UP

Mulayam Singh Yadav's decision to honour Abhishek with the Yash Bharti award has evoked sharp protests from political parties, cultural groups and students.

The Congress and the BJP termed it as an "undue favour" and culture aficionados said it was "discriminatory" towards more deserving artists.

Earlier last week, students had taken to the streets protesting against the Chief Minister’s decision.

Some students termed it as "advance quid pro quo" towards future participation of the Bachchans in the Samajwadi Party election campaign during the Assembly polls next year.