Parkash Singh Badal sworn in as Punjab CM for record 5th time

Chappar Chiri (Punjab), Mar 14: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Parkash Singh Badal was on Wednesday sworn in as chief minister of Punjab for the record fifth time heading an SAD-BJP government for a second successive term.

His son Sukhbir was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister by Governor Shivraj V Patil in Chappar Chiri, about 25km from Chandigarh. Sixteen other cabinet rank ministers, including four from the BJP, also took oath of office.

Badal senior headed full two five-year terms from 1997 and 2007. His other terms were between 1977-1980 and 1970-71.

Those present on the occasion included BJP leaders LK Advani and Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister Praful Patel, INLD chief Om Parkash Chautala and JDU chief Sharad Yadav.

The SAD-BJP alliance got absolute majority in the state polls to the 117-member state Assembly winning 68 seats whereas the opposition Congress bagged only 46 seats.

PTI