In an emotion choked but befitting homage to the late Sardar Parkash Singh Badal at a massive public gathering for Antim Ardas for the patriarch’s departed soul, the SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal today reached out to the hearts and souls of the people, especially the devout Sikh masses, seeking forgiveness for “whatever mistakes may have been committed, inadvertently or otherwise in the past''.
Meanwhile a sea of humanity streamed into Badal village in lakhs to pay their last respects to five times chief minister Parkash Singh Badal. Thousands walked several kilometers to pay homage to the son of the soil who made them proud by always keeping them first.
Union home minister Amit Shah eulogized the former chief minister by describing him as a man with a big heart who stood up against Emergency as a matter of principle. Mr Shah said during Mr Badal’s career spanning decades, the latter dedicated himself to the welfare of the poor and his demise was a big blow to the Sikh Panth as well as the country which had lost a true patriot. He also lauded the secular credentials of the former chief minister, stating that the latter had built a gurdwara, mandir and masjid in his native village Badal. The home minister said the former chief minster’s demise was a personal blow to him and also shared his condolences with SAD president and MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Congress leader Sachin Pilot also paid glowing tributes to the Akali titan on the occasion as did Asom Gana Parishad President Atul Bora. INLD president Om Parkash Chautala also paid a personal tribute to the late leader besides commisserating with the Badal family.