Shiromani Akali Dal patriarch Parkash Singh Badal passed away on Tuesday at 8.30 pm. He was 95. The former Punjab CM was admitted to the ICU of Fortis Hospital in Mohali on Sunday, after complaining of difficulty in breathing.
Badal, a five-time Punjab CM, was hospitalised in June last year following a complaint of gastritis and bronchial asthma.
In February 2022, he was taken to a private hospital in Mohali for a post-Covid health check-up during which he had undergone cardiac and pulmonary check-ups too. He was admitted to a hospital in Ludhiana after testing positive for Covid-19 in January 2022. The SAD patriarch had been advised by doctors to opt for regular precautionary check-ups, especially after contracting Covid-19.
Expressing his condolences, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted: “Shri Prakash Singh Badal ji was a political stalwart who played a significant role in Punjab politics for many decades. In his long political and administrative career, he made several noteworthy contributions towards the welfare of farmers and other weaker sections of our 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. I’m deeply anguished by his demise. His demise is a personal loss to me. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family and supporters. Om Shanti,” he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, too, grieved the former Punjab CM’s death. “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,” he said.
