Punjab Mourns the Loss of Five-time Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal; Leaders Pay Tribute to a Towering Figure in Indian Politics

Five-time Punjab Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) patriarch Parkash Singh Badal, who was suffering from bronchial asthma, passed away at a private hospital in Mohali on Tuesday evening. He was 95.

Badal is survived by his son and SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, and his Member of Parliament daughter Parneet Kaur.

A media bulletin from the Fortis Hospital said that Parkash Singh Badal was admitted to the hospital on April 16 with acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma. He was shifted to the medical ICU on April 18 as his respiratory condition worsened.

He had been on NIV and HFNC support along with medical management. He was being managed under Digambar Behera along with the pulmonology and criticalcare team supported by cardiology. Despite appropriate medical management, Parkash Singh Badal succumbed to his illness, the hospital statement said.


Describing Parkash Singh Badal a "towering figure" in Indian politics and a leader who served the people of Punjab with distinction, Punjab Governor Banwari Lal Purohit expressed his condolences on his passing away.

"Badal was a man of integrity, wisdom, and compassion, who devoted his life to the service of our people. He was a true son of Punjab, who worked tirelessly to promote the interests of our state and its people," he said in a statement.

His contribution to the growth and development of Punjab is immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, Purohit said. "Badal's vision and leadership have helped shape the course of our state's history, and his presence will be sorely missed by all those who knew him and worked alongside him."


"I offer my deepest condolences to Badal's family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. May the soul of Parkash Singh Badal rest in peace."

Senior BJP leader and former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, in his condolence message to Parkash Singh Badal's son and Shiromani Akali Dal President, Sukhbir Singh Badal, said he shared the family's grief over this irreparable loss.

He said it was not only a loss to the family, but to the entire state and the country. Amarinder Singh also said that "Sardar Badal was a towering leader who commanded respect across states cutting across party lines".


His absence will be felt for a long time and the void created will be difficult to fill, Amarinder Singh said. - IANS