Former Punjab Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) patriarch Parkash Singh Badal passed away at the age of 95 on Tuesday. The 95-year-old veteran politician was admitted to Mohali’s Fortis Hospital more than a week ago after he complained of breathlessness.
The former five-time chief minister of Punjab was also hospitalized in June last year after complaints related to gastritis and bronchial asthma.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he is deeply saddened by the demise of Parkash Singh Badal. He said, “He was a towering figure of Indian politics and a remarkable statesman who contributed immensely to our country. He worked tirelessly for the progress of Punjab and supported the state in difficult times.”
The Prime Minister said that the death of Parkash Singh Badal was a personal loss for him. He said, “I have interacted closely with him for many decades and learned a lot from him. I remember our many conversations, in which his intelligence was always clearly visible. Condolences to his family and countless fans.”
Badal served as the Chief Minister of Punjab from 1970–71, 1977–80 and 2007–2017. He was also the youngest politician to hold the post of CM in Punjab. Born in December 1927 in Abul Khurana, Punjab, Badal began his political career as a member of the Akali Dal in the 1950s. He served as a member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of Punjab several times and was first elected as the Chief Minister of Punjab in 1970.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said that Parkash Singh Badal was a political stalwart who played an important role in the politics of Punjab for many decades. In his long political and administrative career, Singh said, he made many notable contributions towards the welfare of farmers and other weaker sections of our society.
“Badal Sahab was a son of the soil who remained attached to his roots throughout his life. I remember our conversations with him on many issues. I am deeply saddened by his demise. His demise is a personal loss for me. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family. And condolences to the supporters. Om Shanti!” he wrote on Twitter.