Former Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal has returned Padma Vibhushan to protest “betrayal of farmers” by the Centre, reported ANI.

Though there were reports of some athletes returning their awards, Badal became the first to return his award to protest Centre’s treatment of the protesting farmers.

Farmers, mostly from Punjab, have been protesting in the national capital, demanding repeal of the farm laws.

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The 92-year-old was awarded Padma Vibhushan award, the second highest civilian honour of the country, in 2015.

Badal’s Shiromani Akali Dal pulled out of the NDA alliance over the farmers’ protest in September. The former Punjab CM said he was registering his protest against the government’s “betrayal of farmers”.

Earlier in the day, CM Amarinder Singh met Home Minister Amit Shah and asked him resolve the farmers’ issue.