Political row over Padma Shri to Adnan Sami

The bestowing of Padma Shri award on singer-musician Adnan Sami has triggered a massive political row with opposition parties questioning the Centre’s decision.  Sami, born in London to a Pakistani Air force veteran, applied for Indian citizenship in 2015 and became a citizen of the country in January 2016. Sami was one of the 118 people whose names were announced on Saturday for the Padma Shri awards. Opposition parties including the Congress and the MNS have raised objection to conferment of the honour to Sami.