Freedom fighter rejects Padma Bhushan

Siddha Raj Dadda, veteran freedom fighter and social activist, has rejected the Padma Bhushan award conferred on him on the eve of Republic Day.

Dadda announced the decision while inaugurating the national campaign against globalisation and communalism led by Medha Patkar at Plachimada near Palakkad, Kerala, on Sunday night.

He said the process of globalisation and liberalisation had deprived many Indians of their resources and livelihood.

"Many like me fought for the freedom of the country. Now the freedom is being surrendered to the West in the name of globalisation and liberalisation. There is no point in accepting the honour at this stage," he said.

Patkar's campaign started from Plachimada where people are up in arms against Coca-Cola's bottling plant. They allege that groundwater in the region is depleting due to the plant.