Complaint seeks withdrawal of Vellappally Natesan’s Padma Bhushan, matter sent to Home Ministry
New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu has forwarded a complaint seeking the withdrawal of the Padma Bhushan conferred on SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, with instructions to examine the allegations and take appropriate action.
The complaint was submitted by RS Sashikumar, chairman of the Save University Campaign Committee. It alleges that Vellappally Natesan had publicly insulted the Padma awards in the past and is also an accused in several criminal cases, making him unfit for a civilian honour of such stature.
The petition states that conferring a Padma award on a person who had earlier mocked the honour undermines its dignity and shows disregard to previous recipients. It further argues that granting one of the country’s highest civilian honours to someone facing multiple criminal cases is inappropriate.
Vellappally Natesan had earlier made disparaging remarks about the Padma awards during a media interaction, questioning their value and suggesting they could be obtained with money. The SNDP Protection Committee had also opposed the decision to confer the Padma Bhushan on him.
This year, the Padma Bhushan was announced for Vellappally Natesan and actor Mammootty. Former Kerala chief minister VS Achuthanandan, former Supreme Court judge Justice KT Thomas, and RSS pracharak and former Janmabhoomi editor P Narayanan were awarded the Padma Vibhushan.
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Shehbaz Sharif says ceasefire extends beyond Iran, including “Lebanon and elsewhere”
Islamabad: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said the ceasefire agreement between Iran, the United States and their allies extends beyond the immediate conflict and includes “Lebanon and elsewhere,” adding that it is effective immediately.
In a social media post, Sharif said, “I warmly welcome the sagacious gesture extend deepest gratitude to the leadership of both the countries and invite their delegations to Islamabad on Friday, 10th April 2026, to further negotiate for a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes.”
He said both sides had shown “remarkable wisdom and understanding” and remained constructively engaged in efforts aimed at peace and stability during the high-stakes mediation process.
“We earnestly hope that the ‘Islamabad Talks’ succeed in achieving sustainable peace and wish to share more good news in coming days,” Sharif added.
With the greatest humility, I am pleased to announce that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate ceasefire everywhere including Lebanon and elsewhere, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 7, 2026
I warmly welcome the…
