Akali Dal Stalwart Parkash Singh Badal Cremated At Ancestral Village, Thousands Pay Respects. In Pics

Akali stalwart Parkash Singh Badal was cremated with full state honours at his ancestral village in Punjab's Muktsar district on Thursday with a large number of mourners and leaders across the political range offering their last respects to the five-time chief minister.

The funeral pyre was set on fire at a special platform built for the rites by SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal. On a flower-adorned tractor-trolley, Badal's remains were transported to the family's farmland, approximately one kilometer from his residence. His son Sukhbir Singh Badal and other family members stood with their hands folded as the vehicle passed the mourners along the way.

Sukhbir Badal and his sister Parneet Kaur Kairon broke down before the body was put in the fire because they were overcome with emotion. Badal died at a private hospital in Mohali on Tuesday, nine days after being admitted with breathing issues.

Individuals from varying backgrounds including politicians and religious leaders turned up at the town to honor the leader whose political profession started seventy years ago when he turned into the sarpanch of Badal panchayat.

To pay their last respects, BJP president J P Nadda, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah went to Badal village. The mourners also included Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

In anticipation of the political leaders' visits, the village had extensive security measures in place. Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot, senior BJP leader Tarun Chugh, Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala, and former union minister Praful Patel likewise paid homage to the former chief minister.