New Delhi—In an embarrassment to the ruling BJP government, Akali Dal leader and five-time Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal returned the Padma Vibhushan—the second highest civilian honour– conferred on him in 2015. The 92-year-old veteran said he was returning his award in protest against the “government’s betrayal” to the farmers.
“I am who I am because of the people, especially the common farmer. Today when he has lost more than his honour, I see no point in holding on to the Padma Bibhushan honour,” the Shiromani Akali Dal leader said in a letter sent to President Ram Nath Kovind. The Akalis were the longest standing ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party till the alliance fell through in October after the Centre passed the three farm laws that are at the centre of the agitation by farmers who have sought their repealing.
Some sportspersons including Arjuna awardee Sajjan Singh Cheema and coaches have said they will return their awards on December 5 in solidarity with the farmers who are camping on the outskirts of Delhi in biting cold, pressing for their demands. “They are peaceful farmers who have been holding peaceful sit-ins for over three months now. It is a shame to have used tear-gas and water cannons on them,” said the Olympic hockey player.
