Modi speaks to Parkash Singh Badal, wishes him on his 93rd birthday

New Delhi, December 8

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke to Shiromani Akali Dal patriarch Parkash Singh Badal, who has been severely critical of the Centre over the contentious farm laws, and extended best wishes to him on his 93rd birthday.

Government sources said the Prime Minister called up the former Punjab chief minister to wish him. No other details of the conversation were shared.

Badal had on Monday urged Modi to scrap the three central farm laws, claiming they had pushed the country into a deep turmoil.

Once a staunch ally of the ruling BJP, the Akali Dal has severed the ties in protest against the laws.

Badal also announced the return of his Padma Vibhushan award in protest as farmers' stir against the laws intensified. PTI