Crowds pay last respects to Parkash Singh Badal as Punjab government declares holiday on April 27th

Chandigarh, Apr 26 : Former Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal’s demise on Tuesday at the age of 95 has resulted in the declaration of a holiday by the Punjab government on Thursday, April 27, in his honour. People have been lining up since early Wednesday morning at the Shiromani Akali Dal office in Chandigarh to pay their last respects to Badal, whose mortal remains are being kept there. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also expected to arrive in Chandigarh at 12 noon to pay his respects. Badal had been hospitalized for over a week due to difficulty breathing. His body will be taken to his hometown of Badal in Muktsar on Thursday for the last rites. The central government has already announced two days of state mourning on April 26 and 27 across India. Born in 1927, Badal served as chief minister of Punjab five times, first assuming the position in 1970, and later in 1977-80, 1997-2002, 2007-12, and 2012-2017. He was known for his contributions to the state as well as the country

As Reported