Former Punjab Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) patriarch Parkash Singh Badal died on Tuesday. He was 95.
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, hospital officials told PTI.
Badal was in the intensive care unit of the hospital where doctors had been closely monitoring his health condition.
Sources in the SAD confirmed to PTI that the senior leader has died.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled Badal's death on Twitter. Sharing photos with him, Modi wrote he was "extremely saddened" with Badal's demise.
"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," said Modi on Twitter.
He further said, "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."
A number of political leaders from across party lines, such as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Congress leaer Jairam Ramesh also condoled the death.
Badal served as the Chief Minister of Punjab and was the most senior politician in the state of Punjab. He contested last year's Punjab assembly election but lost as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) secured a landslide victory.
(With PTI inputs)
