Tweeting the news of former Bengal CM Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee rejecting the Padma Bhushan award, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh posted a cryptic caption, which seemed to be a subtle jibe at party colleague Ghulam Nabi Azad's name on the list of Padma awardees.

In the tweet, Jairam Ramesh said: "Right thing to do. He wants to be Azad not Ghulam".

Meanwhile, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor congratulated Ghulam Nabi Azad on being conferred with Padma Vibhushan.

"Warm congratulations to Shri @ghulamnazad on his Padma Bhushan. It is good to be recognized for one's public service even by a government of the other side," Shashi Tharoor said in a tweet.

Both Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and Ghulam Nabi Azad have been named for Padma awards. Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, however, has refused to accept it.

(With inputs from agencies)