Ex-Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal passes away in Mohali

Former Punjab chief minister and Shiromani Akali Dal leader Parkash Singh Badal passed away in Mohali on Tuesday. He was 95. He had been admitted to the Fortis Hospital in Mohali over a week ago after he complained of uneasiness in breathing.

He breathed his last around 8 pm, PTI quoted hospital officials as saying. He had been admitted to the intensive care unit of the hospital where doctors had been closely monitoring his health condition.

In a political career spanning nearly seven decades, Badal played key role in state as well as national politics. He served as the CM of Punjab for five times -- 1970-71, 1977-80, 1997-2002, 2007-12 and 2012-17.

As a mark of respect to the former chief minister of Punjab, Centre has announced a two-day state mourning across India on April 26, 27. The national flag will fly at half mast and no official entertainment will be held during the state mourning, PTI reported Home Ministry officials as saying.

PM Narendra Modi expressed condolences at the passing away of the Shiromani Akali Dal doyen, and tweeted that his passing away was a personal loss for him.

PM wrote, "Extremely saddened by the passing away of Shri Parkash Singh Badal Ji. He was a colossal figure of Indian politics, and a remarkable statesman who contributed greatly to our nation. He worked tirelessly for the progress of Punjab and anchored the state through critical times."

"Shri 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. I recall our numerous conversations, in which his wisdom was always clearly seen. Condolences to his family and countless admirers," he added.

Shri 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. I recall our numerous conversations, in which his wisdom was always clearly seen. Condolences to his family and countless admirers. pic.twitter.com/YtD9xKsos2

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 25, 2023

Union Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed condolences on the demise of the former Punjab CM.

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.

I’m deeply anguished by his demise. His demise is a personal loss to me. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family and…

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) April 25, 2023

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