PUNJAB: Former Punjab chief minister and Shiromani Akali Dal patriarch Parkash Singh Badal passed away today, April 25.

The 95-year-old was admitted at a hospital in Mohali over a week ago after he complained of uneasiness while breathing. Parkash Singh Badal served as the Chief Minister of Punjab five times. He was the chief minister from 1970-1971, from 1977-1980, from 1997-2002, and from 2007-2017 (two consecutive terms). He was also the youngest Chief Minister to have ever hold office in the state of Punjab.

In view of the death of former Chief Minister of Punjab Parkash Singh Badal, the state government has announced a public holiday tomorrow i.e. on 27 April. As per the report, all the state government offices, educational institutions, and banks will remain closed as a mark of respect to the former CM. The central government too has annouced two days of national mourning. His last rites will be performed on 27 April at 1 pm in his ancestral village Badal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to share his condolences, which reads: "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," PM Modi said.

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. pic.twitter.com/scx2K7KMCq

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 25, 2023

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