Mohali: Five-time Punjab Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal Patron Parkash Singh Badal passed away in a private hospital here on Tuesday.
The 95-year-old SAD Patriarch was admitted to Fortis hospital last week due to breathing problems. Hospital sources said that he breathed his last at 2020 hrs.
He was also the youngest Chief Minister to ever hold office in the state of Punjab. He was 43 then.
Parkash Singh Badal returned his Padma Vibhushan award – the second highest civilian honour of the country that he received from the government in 2015 – in protest against the treatment of the protesting farmers by the Central government.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes to the Punjab leader, calling him a “colossal figure of Indian politics, and a remarkable statesman”.
“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 PM Modi, along with a picture of himself with the veteran leader. With agency inputs
