“I think we are all very expectant. Kerala got several Padma awards, will we get a higher percentage of allocations for our state? I don’t know,” Tharoor remarked, adding that the state hopes for greater financial support from the Centre in the upcoming Budget.
Kerala emerged as one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Padma Awards 2026, with eight recipients from the state. Notably, three of the five Padma Vibhushan awardees — the highest civilian honour this year — are from Kerala.