"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.

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

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the death of Akali Dal senior leader is an irreparable loss to Indian politics. Mr Shah added that Badal's unparalleled political experience was very helpful in public life and always a delight to listen to.

"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. 

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.

"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."

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.