Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to share his condolences. "Shri Parkash Singh Badal’s passing away 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.
"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," PM Modi said.
Born on December 8, 1927 in Abul Khurana, near Malout, Sardar Badal graduated from the Forman Christian College in Lahore. Sardar Badal was first elected to the Punjab state assembly in 1957. He was then elected MLA nine times.
In the seventies, during the emergency, he was jailed with other politicians under the infamous MISA (Maintenance of Internal Securities Act).
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in a tweet said: "Prakash Singh Badal ji was a political stalwart who played a significant role in Punjab politics for many decades. In his long political and administrative career, he made several noteworthy contributions towards the welfare of farmers and other weaker sections of our society."
"Badal Sahab was the son of soil who remained connected to his roots, all his life. I fondly remember my interactions with him on several issues. I’m deeply anguished by his demise. His demise is a personal loss to me. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family and supporters. Om Shanti!"BJP leader and union minister Anurag Thakur in a tweet said: "Deeply mourn the demise of former Punjab CM Prakash Singh Badal Ji. Punjab has lost a great visionary leader who immensely contributed to the development of Punjab. My heartfelt condolences to his family."
(With Agency Inputs)
