"A Personal Loss": PM, Political Leaders Mourn Parkash Singh Badal

Former Punjab Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal patriarch Parkash Singh Badal died at a private hospital in Punjab's Mohali today. He was 95. Badal was admitted to the Fortis Hospital in Mohali over a week ago after he complained of uneasiness in breathing.

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union Ministers were among political leaders who mourned him.

The Prime Minister termed Badal's death "a personal loss". He also recalled his "numerous conversations" with the political stalwart.

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. pic.twitter.com/YtD9xKsos2

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 25, 2023

President Droupadi Murmu, calling Badal one of the tallest leaders, said his death "leaves a void".

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

"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," wrote Union Minister Rajnath Singh. 

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…

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) April 25, 2023

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge expressed his deepest condolences to Badal's family. He said in a tweet, "Although we differed in our ideologies, he earned immense respect among the people of Punjab for his simplicity and loyalty to his cadre, as he served multiple terms as CM."

Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi said the news of Badal's death was saddening. He was a tall leader of the politics of India and Punjab, Mr Gandhi said.

पंजाब के पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री और शिरोमणि अकाली दल के पूर्व अध्यक्ष सरदार प्रकाश सिंह बादल जी के निधन का समाचार दुखद है। वो आजीवन भारत और पंजाब की राजनीति के एक कद्दावर नेता रहे।

श्री सुखबीर सिंह बादल समेत उनके सभी शोकाकुल परिजनों और समर्थकों को अपनी गहरी संवेदनाएं व्यक्त करता हूं। pic.twitter.com/Wb9N7m8fO9

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 25, 2023

"I express my deepest condolences to all his bereaved family members and supporters, including Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal," Mr Gandhi said in a tweet in Hindi.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann condoled Badal's death. "Received the sad news of the death of former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal. May Waheguru give place to the departed soul in his feet and give strength to the family to bear the loss," he tweeted.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal whose AAP is the ruling party in Punjab also condoled Parkash Singh Badal's death.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla termed his death as the "end of an era" for the Indian politics.

"Parkash Singh Badal fought for the interest of people and farmers. He had an important contribution in the development of society, state and country. His role was also important in strengthening democratic values. His death is the end of an era for Indian politics," he said.

BJP national president  JP Nadda expressed sorrow over the death of the "towering personality".  "The news of the demise of former Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal is very sad. He was a towering personality of Indian politics whose contribution to the development of Punjab is immense and will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and supporters," he said.

Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring tweeted: "Saddened by the passing away of stalwart of politics S Parkash Singh Badal ji. He was an institution in himself and inspired many generations of politicians. His contribution to Punjab and Punjabiyat will remain inspirational. May Waheguru rest the departed soul in peace."

Saddened by the passing away of stalwart of politics S. Parkash Singh Badal ji. He was an institution in himself & inspired many generations of politicians. His contribution to Punjab & Punjabiyat will remain inspirational. May Waheguru rest the departed soul in peace. pic.twitter.com/0Jdn36mfv9

— Amarinder Singh Raja Warring (@RajaBrar_INC) April 25, 2023

Union Minister Anurag Thakur hailed former Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal, who died on Tuesday, as a "great visionary leader". Mr Thakur also extended his heartfelt condolences to Badal's family.

The five-time Chief Minister was in the intensive care unit of the hospital where doctors had been closely monitoring his health condition. He was also hospitalised in June last year following complaints related to gastritis and bronchial asthma.

In February 2022, he was taken to a private hospital in Mohali for a post-Covid health examination during which he underwent cardiac and pulmonary check-ups.

He had tested positive for COVID-19 in January last year and was admitted to a hospital in Ludhiana.

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