Parkash Singh Badal, a five-time former chief minister of Punjab and patriarch of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) party, passed away on April 25, 2023, at a private hospital in Mohali due to breathing difficulties. He was 95 years old and had a seven-decade-long political career, during which he served as a village sarpanch and was the youngest chief minister of Punjab.
Badal lost only two elections in his political career and was an opponent of the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal. He returned his Padma Vibhushan award in protest against the treatment of the protesting farmers by the Central Government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu expressed their condolences, and the Centre has declared two days of natiorning following his 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. pic.twitter.com/scx2K7KMCq
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 25, 2023
“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.” Tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing his condolences. “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.” Further added prime minister Narendra Modi.
Shri Parkash Singh 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…
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 25, 2023
President Droupadi Murmu expressed her condolences by tweeting, “Shri Parkash Singh 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.”
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his condolences along with Jagdeep Dhankhar, Vice President of India. Prime Minster Narendra Modi also paid homage to former Chief Minister of Punjab, Prakash Singh Badal on Wednesday.
