PM Modi pays last respects to Parkash Singh Badal in Chandigarh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid floral tributes to five-time Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal at the Shiromani Akali Dal office here.

According to reports, the Prime Minister reached Chandigarh around 12 pm to pay his last respects to Parkash Singh Badal.

Badal was admitted to the Fortis Hospital in Mohali over a week ago after he complained of uneasiness in breathing. He breathed his last around 8 pm Tuesday. He was 95.

On Tuesday, PM Modi had described the demise of Badal as a 'personal loss' and said he was a colossal figure of Indian politics who contributed greatly to the nation.

Taking to micro-blogging platform Twitter, PM Modi wrote,''Extremely saddened by the passing away of Shri Parkash Singh Badal Ji. 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.''

"Shri Parkash Singh Badal's 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 had said.

President Draupadi Murmu, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, several other leaders from across all political parties also condoled Badal's demise and hailed his contribution to the state as well as the country.