New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his last respects to Parkash Singh Badal, a five-time former chief minister of Punjab and Akali Dal patriarch, in Chandigarh on Wednesday.
PM Modi paid floral tribute to the Shiromani Akali Dal patron.
The mortal remains of the Shiromani Akali Dal patron have been kept at the party office in Chandigarh for people to pay homage.
The senior politician breathed his last on Tuesday night after he was admitted to the ICU of Fortis Hospital in Mohali on Sunday, following a complaint of difficulty in breathing.
"Despite appropriate medical management S Parkash Singh Badal succumbed to his illness. Fortis Hospital Mohali deeply condoles the death of S Parkash Singh Badal," a statement from the hospital said.
Offering condolences on Twitter, 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."
He further tweeted, "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."
Born on December 8, 1927, in Punjab's Abul Khurana village, Badal had been active in Indian politics for over five decades. He was the Chief Minister of Punjab for five times. His political career had been marked by his commitment to the welfare of the people of his state.