Two Shiv Sena Members of Parliament from Thane district, Naresh Mhaske (Thane) and Dr. Shrikant Shinde (Kalyan), have been chosen for the Sansad Ratna Award 2026 in recognition of their performance in Parliament up to the Budget Session 2026. This marks the second consecutive year that both leaders have received this prestigious honour.
Award Announcement in New Delhi
The announcement was made in New Delhi, where the duo is among five Maharashtra MPs selected this year. The other recipients from the state include Dr. Hemant Savara, Smita Wagh, and Dr. Medha Kulkarni. They will be conferred with the honour in July in New Delhi, where the 150th Sansad Ratna Award will also be presented.
Selection Criteria
The awards recognize 10 Lok Sabha MPs, 2 Rajya Sabha MPs, and 4 Parliamentary Standing Committees based on their overall contribution in Parliament. This includes attendance, participation in debates, and the number of questions raised.
Recognition for Naresh Mhaske
A first-time MP, Mhaske has been recognized for the second time for his active participation in Parliament, particularly in Union Budget discussions, policy issues, and public concerns. Party members highlighted his well-studied speeches and consistent presence in the Lok Sabha.
Reacting to the honour, Mhaske credited the recognition to Shiv Sena chief and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as well as his colleague MP Dr. Shinde. He dedicated the award to voters and party workers.
Dr. Shrikant Shinde's Achievements
MP Dr. Shinde has also been selected for the second consecutive year for his discussions and participation in key national issues, including infrastructure, healthcare, railways, and matters related to the development of his Kalyan Lok Sabha constituency. A colleague noted that he has introduced six Private Members' Bills and was among the few chosen to lead an all-party parliamentary delegation abroad following Operation Sindoor, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Dr. Shinde expressed his honour at the recognition and pledged to continue excelling in his parliamentary performance, raising people-centric issues, and presenting insightful contributions in the House.
About the Sansad Ratna Award
Instituted in 2010 on the suggestion of former President Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the Sansad Ratna Award is widely regarded as a benchmark for parliamentary excellence.
