Parkash Singh Badal passes away, Centre declares 2-day mourning

April 26, 2023 42 Views No Comment

New Delhi, April 26 (PTI) 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.