Parkash Singh Badal Stood Like A Rock Against Emergency To Protect Democracy: Amit Shah At Antim Ardas

Attending the antim ardas of former Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal, Amit Shah highlighted the role of the Shiromani Akali Dal patron in protesting against the Emergency.

File image of Parkash Singh Badal who is seen with then BJP President Amit Shah in New Delhi.

Source : PTI

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and Congress leader Sachin Pilot were among several prominent politicians across party lines who attended the antim ardas of former Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal at Badal village in Lambi at Punjab's Sri Muktsar Sahib. Amit Shah credited the five-time Punjab chief minister as laying the foundation of new Punjab, while he also highlighted the role of the Shiromani Akali Dal patron in protesting against the Emergency.

Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah said that Parkash Singh Badal's demise was not just a loss for Punjab, but the entire country. "The void left by Badal Sahab's death would be challenging for all of us to fill. The Sikh Panth has lost a true soldier, the country has lost a patriot, and the farmers have lost a real supporter. We have lost someone who set the highest political values."

"He died after 70 years of public life leaving behind no foes, no one has been able to live this way, I believe this wholeheartedly."

"From 1970, whenever there was an opportunity to stand up for the nation, Badal sahab never shied away from fulfilling his duty. He spent the longest time in jail for anyone in public life for his ideals and (Sikh) Panth," the senior BJP leader said.

He further highlighted, "In Shiromani Akali Dal, Parkash Singh Badal stood like a rock against Emergency to protect democracy. Be it the Kargil war or terrorism, Badal Saheb stood for the country's interests with his towering personality."

भारतीय राजनीति के दिग्गज नेता स्वर्गीय प्रकाश सिंह बादल जी की अंतिम अरदास पर उन्हें श्रद्धांजलि दी।
ਭਾਰਤੀ ਸਿਆਸਤ ਦੇ ਉੱਘੇ ਆਗੂ ਸ੍ਵਰ੍ਗੀਯ ਸ੍ਰ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼ ਸਿੰਘ ਬਾਦਲ ਜੀ ਨੂੰ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦੀ ਅੰਤਿਮ ਅਰਦਾਸ ਮੌਕੇ ਸ਼ਰਧਾਂਜਲੀ ਭੇਟ ਕੀਤੀ। https://t.co/zFApQaaYwV

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 4, 2023

With The Passing Away Of Parkash Singh Badal, The 'Sardaar' Of Brotherhood Also Died: Amit Shah

Shah said that he gained insight from the Shiromani Akali Dal patron every time they met. "He always tried to show us the righteous path. Even though we belonged to two different parties, his advice would be one that was beneficial for my party (BJP) as well. He was an illustrious person who advised with transparency."

The Home Minister recalled Parkash Singh Badal's achievements being the longest member of the Punjab assembly, the oldest contesting candidate in Indian politics, and being elected Punjab's Chief Minister for five terms.

"With the passing away of Parkash Singh Badal, the 'sardaar' of brotherhood also died. He dedicated his entire life to Hindu-Sikh unity. Despite facing opposition, he strived to keep everyone together," he mentioned Parkash Singh Badal's son Sukhbir as saying that the veteran politician made temple, mosque, and gurdwara in his native Badal village. "We won't be able to find such a personality in Indian politics and public life," he added.

On April 15, Badal breathed his last at a private hospital in Mohali at the age of 95.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gahlot, Bharatiya Janata Party national president JP Nadda, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, and former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupendra Singh Hooda paid their last respects during his funeral held with state honours.