Chandigarh, April 25: Five-time former Punjab chief minister and Shiromani Akali Dal patriarch Parkash Singh Badal, known for his winsome humility and strong rural roots, died on Tuesday. He was 95.
Badal, who had not been keeping well for sometime, was admitted to Mohali’s Fortis Hospital over a week ago after he complained of uneasiness in breathing.
“Mr Badal passed away at around 8 pm,” hospital Director Abhijeet Singh told PTI over the phone.
The grand old man of Punjab politics first became chief minister in 1970, heading a coalition government that did not complete its term. He was also the chief minister in 1977-80, 1997-2002, 2007-12 and 2012-2017.
At 94, Badal last year became the country’s oldest candidate to fight a state election when he entered the electoral battle for the 13th time but could not save his pocket borough of Lambi in Muktsar district, only second defeat in a political career spanning more than seven decades.
During the 2022 state polls, the SAD patriarch had said he wanted to serve people till his last breath.
His last rites will take place Thursday afternoon at his native village Badal in Lambi in Muktsar.
The central government announced two days of state mourning on April 26 and 27 across India as a mark of respect to the former chief minister.
On the days of mourning, the national flag will be flown at half mast and there will be no official entertainment, the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a communication to all states.
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several central ministers and chief ministers and leaders cutting across party lines condoled his demise and hailed his immense contributions to the state as well as the country.
President Murmu said Badal was one of the tallest political stalwarts since independence. “Though his exemplary career in public service was largely confined to Punjab, he was respected across the country. His demise leaves a void. My heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers,” the Rashtrapati Bhavan tweeted.
Prime Minister Modi described his demise as a “personal loss” and said he was a colossal figure of Indian politics and a remarkable statesman who contributed greatly to the nation.
Badal worked tirelessly for the progress of Punjab and anchored the state through critical times, the prime minister said.
“Parkash Singh Badal’s passing away is a personal loss for me. I have interacted closely with him for many decades and learnt so much from him,” Modi added.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Badal played a significant role in Punjab’s politics for decades and made several noteworthy contributions towards the welfare of farmers and other weaker sections of society. “Badal Sahab was the son of soil who remained connected to his roots, all his life. I fondly remember my interactions with him on several issues,” he added.
As the news of his death broke, a large crowd of party workers and well-wishers gathered outside the hospital. Many leaders cutting across party lines also reached there to offer their condolences to the bereaved family. (PTI)
