Parkash Singh Badal, one of the most prominent and influential politicians of Punjab, Badal, who served as the Chief Minister of Punjab for five terms, passed away on April 25, 2023, at the age of 95.
Born in Abul Khurana village in the Firozpur district of Punjab, Badal began his political career at a young age.
Five time Punjab CM, Parkash Singh Badal breathed his last in a hospital at Mohali. Credits – Hindustan
Parkash Singh Badal’s political career began in 1947 when he was appointed as the Sarpanch of the Village Badal and later went on to serve as the Chairman of Block Samiti, Lambi. He was first elected to the Punjab Vidhan Sabha in 1957 as a member of the Shiromani Akali Dal political party. He was re-elected in 1969 and served as the Minister for Community Development, Panchayati Raj, Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Fisheries.
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
Badal proved to be a formidable opponent as he went on to become the Leader of Opposition in 1972, 1980, and 2002. He was elected to the Vidhan Sabha ten times, beginning with his first election in 1957, and winning every election since 1969, except for the February 1992 election in which he led a boycott of state elections by the Akalis. In the 1997 elections, he won from the Lambi Assembly constituency and was a consecutive winner for four terms.
Badal’s political career also included serving as a Union Minister in Prime Minister Morarji Desai’s government in 1977. He held the position of Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation during his tenure. Throughout his career, Badal proved to be a stalwart of Punjab politics, and his contributions to the region will be remembered for years to come.
The passing away of veteran leader, Shri Parkash Singh Badal Sahab is deeply saddening. His career spanning several decades was dedicated to the welfare of the poor. His demise is an irreparable loss to Indian politics. My heartfelt condolences are with his family and followers. pic.twitter.com/yF7HX2EpkG
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 25, 2023
Badal was associated with the Shiromani Akali Dal, a political party in Punjab, and served as its president for many years. He played a significant role in the growth and development of the party, which became one of the most influential political forces in the region.
Badal’s contributions to Punjab did not go unnoticed. He was honored with several awards and recognitions, including the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in India, in 2015.
While Badal’s career was not without controversy, his commitment to public service and his dedication to the people of Punjab remained unwavering.
