"Betrayal of farmers" prompts Parkash Badal to return Padma Vibhushan
What's the story
92-year-old Parkash Singh Badal, the patriarch of Shiromani Akali Dal, returned his Padma Vibhushan award on Thursday, to protest against the three farm laws which have sparked a massive agitation against the Centre.
The former Chief Minister of Punjab was given the second-highest civilian honor in 2015.
He said the Central government betrayed Farmers which led to his decision.
Here are more details.
Background
Furious at Centre's steps, farmers camped at Delhi's borders
Farmers, mostly from Punjab and Haryana, have arrived at Delhi's borders, demanding the abrogation of three farm laws, which were passed in the Monsoon Session.
They have been camping for days now, saying that the government's reforms would prove perilous for their income.
But the Centre said these laws will help in increasing their incomes and open newer opportunities.
Alliance
In September, SAD quit NDA; Harsimrat also left Modi's cabinet
The Centre's stance on the laws also cost BJP one of its oldest allies. In September, SAD quit NDA, soon after its lone member in the cabinet — Harsimrat Kaur Badal — tendered her resignation.
Initially, SAD wasn't as critical of the laws, but when farmers' views grew louder, it openly targeted the Centre.
Harsimrat's husband Sukhbir urged all parties to come together.
Quote
The bills are deeply injurious: SAD
"The government's decision on the farm Bills is deeply injurious to the interests not only of farmers, but also the khet mazdoor (farm labor), traders, arthiyas (commission agents), and the Dalits who depend on the well-being of agriculture," SAD said at the time.
Details
Separately, sportspersons and coaches could also return their awards
Top sportspersons and coaches could also return their awards. They have also planned a march to Delhi on December 5.
"They (farmers) have been holding peaceful agitation for several months. But water cannons and teargas shells were used against them," Olympic hockey player and Arjuna awardee Sajjan Singh Cheema said.
Meanwhile, the government held talks with farmers today to end the deadlock.
Meeting
Today, Singh met Shah, urged to resolve the issue
In another development, Punjab's CM Captain Amarinder Singh met Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
"Discussions are on between the farmers and the Centre, there's nothing for me to resolve. I reiterated my opposition in my meeting with Home Minister and requested him to resolve the issue as it affects the economy of my state and the security of the nation," the Congress leader said.