Chandigarh: Former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal passed away on Tuesday night at the age of 95. He was admitted to Fortis Hospital in Mohali on April 16 after he complained of breathlessness, where he breathed his last at 7.42 pm on April 25.
Badal was the oldest leader in the country’s politics. On his death, the central government has declared a two-day national mourning, in which the flag will be flown at half-mast throughout the country for two days. At the same time, all official entertainment programs have been canceled. In Punjab, a government holiday has been declared on Thursday.
At the same time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reaching Chandigarh at around 12 noon. He will pay tribute to former CM Parkash Singh Badal here.
His mortal remains will be kept at the Shiromani Akali Dal office in Chandigarh from 10 am to 12 noon for people to pay their last respects. After 12 noon, the funeral procession will be taken out from Chandigarh to Bathinda. The funeral will be performed at his native village Badal at 1 pm on Thursday.
The land is being vacated on two acres in kinnow’s garden on Bathinda-Badal road. Due to lack of space in the village cremation ground, his last rites will be performed in the field.
Earlier, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar reached the hospital in Mohali after receiving information about the death of the former CM. Apart from him, BJP leader Sunil Jakhar also reached Fortis Hospital late in the night and met Akali Dal president Sukhbir Badal.
Politically, Badal was a tallest leader as Prime Minister Narendra Modi used to touch his feet to seek his blessings. He lived a successful political career of 75 years. During this time he became the Chief Minister of Punjab 5 times. He won 11 consecutive elections.