The funeral rites of SAD veteran and five-time Punjab Chief Minister, Parkash Singh Badal, will take place in his birthplace of Badal in Muktsar district of the state today. Badal passed away at the age of 95 in a private hospital in Mohali on Tuesday, seven days after being admitted, and had been in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) since Friday.
Parkash Singh Badal’s mortal remains were kept for paying last respects at the SAD office in Chandigarh. Leaders across political lines condoled his death. PM Modi termed his demise as a “personal loss” and said he was a great contributor to India.
Vineet Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Sri Muktsar Sahib, spoke concerning the security measures that were taken before the cremation of the ex-Chief Minister. He stated, “Admin will make all efforts to see that the last rites occur well. All arrangements have been made. There will be proper security. Work-related to the cremation ground is underway. Helipad, roads are being repaired. All preparations are in place for the CM and all ministers who will come.”
The cremation is scheduled for today, i.e., Thursday, at 1 pm.
Thousands of people lined the route to view the coffin of the SAD veteran. An ambulance carried the coffin, driven by Bikram Majithia and accompanied by Sukhbir Badal and family members, including Manpreet Badal. It was en route from Chandigarh to the veteran’s ancestral village.
Kirtan and ardas were held in the SAD headquarters in Chandigarh. Badal’s mortal remains were placed in a decorated ambulance to chants of “Panth te Punjab Da Rakha” and “Long Live Badal.” Slogans of “S Parkash Singh Badal Amar Rahe” were heard throughout.
Many Akali laborers gathered together in a procession to escort the body of their cherished leader to its final resting place in Badal village for cremation. Lay-bys and access roads along a 250 km route were closed during the procession.
The passing of Badal Saab was a sorrowful event for the people of Patiala City. Mourners shared that he was a statesman who worked to protect the peasantry and the agrarian economy. As the procession drove through towns and villages, people lined the streets to pay their respects, some throwing petals and others capturing the moment with their phones.
A multitude of political leaders and dignitaries of various affiliations are anticipated to be present at the cremation today.
In Muktsar, he was born on December 8, 1927. He achieved various political milestones, such as becoming the village sarpanch at 20, an MLA in 1957, and the chief minister in 1970 at 43.
National mourning was declared for Wednesday & Thursday following the death of former Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal. He had also served as a Union Minister in the 1970s.
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