Parkash Singh Badal Biography

Parkash Singh Badal Biography: Parkash Singh Badal, a prominent figure in Indian politics, served as the 8th Chief Minister of Punjab on multiple occasions, with his tenures spanning from 1970 to 1971, 1977 to 1980, 1997 to 2002, and 2007 to 2017. Notably, he was also the Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Legislative Assembly during various periods. His influence extended to the national level, as he held the position of the 11th Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare in the Morarji Desai ministry in 1977.

Badal was closely associated with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), a Sikh-centred regional political party, and served as its president from 1995 to 2008 when his son, Sukhbir Singh Badal, succeeded him. His role as the patron of SAD allowed him to wield considerable influence over important Sikh organisations like the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee and Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee.

In recognition of his contributions, the Government of India honoured him with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award, in 2015. Parkash Singh Badal’s legacy in Indian politics remains significant and enduring.

Parkash Singh Badal Early Life

Parkash Singh Badal, born on December 8, 1927, near Malout in Abul Khurana, hailed from a Jat Sikh family. He completed his education at the Forman Christian College in Lahore. Parkash Singh Badal’s background and education laid the foundation for his remarkable journey in Indian politics.

Parkash Singh Badal Political Career

Parkash Singh Badal embarked on his political journey in 1947, initially serving as the Sarpanch of the village of Badal. Over time, he ascended the political ladder, becoming the Chairman of Block Samiti in Lambi before venturing into the dynamic landscape of Punjab politics. He secured his maiden election to the Punjab Vidhan Sabha in 1957 under the banner of the Shiromani Akali Dal political party. His political career saw several highlights, including re-election in 1969, during which he held key ministerial positions, overseeing Community Development, Panchayati Raj, Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Fisheries.

At various junctures, he also assumed the role of Leader of the Opposition in 1972, 1980, and 2002. Impressively, he was elected to the Vidhan Sabha an impressive ten times, commencing from 1957 and continuing in each election since 1969, except for a brief hiatus during the February 1992 election when he led an Akali boycott of state elections.

In the 1997 elections, he emerged victorious from the Lambi Assembly constituency, commencing a streak of consecutive wins over four terms. Additionally, he served as a Union Minister in Prime Minister Morarji Desai’s government in 1977, where his portfolio included Agriculture and Irrigation. Badal’s enduring political career and diverse contributions to his constituents and the nation mark him as a prominent figure in Indian politics.

Parkash Singh Badal as a Chief Minister of Punjab

• First Term (1970): In March 1970, Parkash Singh Badal assumed the role of Chief Minister in Punjab, leading a coalition government consisting of Akali Dal – Sant Fateh Singh and Jana Sangh. However, disagreements regarding the use of Hindi in Punjab led to the withdrawal of support by the Jana Sangh in June 1970. Subsequently, seven members of Akali Dal (Sant) defected to the rival Akali Dal led by former Chief Minister Gurnam Singh. An early assembly session was convened in late July to test the government’s majority, but a motion of no confidence was not admitted due to insufficient support. The Congress party opted to remain neutral and did not support the no-confidence motion.
• Second Term (1977-1980): Parkash Singh Badal began his second term as Chief Minister on June 20, 1977, serving until February 17, 1980, with the support and alliance of the Janata Party.
• Third Term (1997–2002): Badal’s third term as Chief Minister took place from February 12, 1997, to February 26, 2002.
• Fourth Term (2007–2012): Following the 2007 Punjab state elections, the Shiromani Akali Dal-Bharatiya Janata Party coalition secured 67 out of 117 seats, resulting in Parkash Singh Badal’s fourth term as Chief Minister. During this period, he held multiple portfolios, overseeing key areas such as Home, Housing & Urban Development, Excise & Taxation, Power, Personnel, General Administration, Vigilance, Employment, Legal & Legislative Affairs, and NRIs Affairs. He initiated various schemes, including a free ambulance service and the Talwandi Sabo thermal plant, as well as reducing taxes on air-conditioned buses, benefiting the bus company owned by his son, Sukhbir Singh Badal.
• 2012–2017 (Fifth Term): In the 2012 elections, the Shiromani Akali Dal and Bharatiya Janata Party combined to win 68 out of 117 seats in Punjab. This marked Badal’s fifth term as Chief Minister, making him the oldest Chief Minister in the state’s history and the only individual to have held the position as both the youngest and oldest Chief Minister. During his 2012–2017 government, he oversaw various portfolios, including Personnel, General Administration, Power, Cooperation, Science Technology, Environment, Vigilance, and Employment Generation.

Parkash Singh Badal Personal Life and Death

In 1959, he tied the knot with Surinder Kaur, and the two were blessed with two children, Sukhbir Singh Badal and Parneet Kaur, who later married Adesh Pratap Singh Kairon. Unfortunately, Surinder Kaur battled cancer for an extended period and passed away in 2011. Notably, his younger brother Gurdas Singh Badal was also actively involved in the field of politics. In addition, his nephew, Manpreet Singh Badal, served as the Finance Minister of Punjab. On the 25th of April, 2023, at the age of 95, Badal passed away after a brief illness, while being treated at Fortis Hospital in Mohali, Punjab.

Parkash Singh Badal Awards

On December 11, 2011, Parkash Singh Badal was honoured with the title of “Panth Rattan Fakhr-e-Qaum,” which translates to “Jewel of the religion, pride of the community,” by the Akal Takht. This prestigious title was bestowed upon him at the Golden Temple complex in the presence of leaders from all five Takhts. He received a siropa (robe of honour), a sword, and a silver plaque inscribed with the citation of Panth Rattan Fakhr-e-Qaum. Badal earned this recognition for his dedicated service to the Sikh Panth, which included the establishment of significant Sikh memorials like Virasat-e-Khalsa. He had also endured imprisonment and faced numerous hardships during various Akali movements. However, in 2015, the Sikh Panth, during the Sarbat Khalsa gathering, withdrew this award due to allegations of Civil Rights Violations and failure to acknowledge the challenges faced by Sikhs in Punjab.

It’s worth noting that Parkash Singh Badal had been a recipient of the prestigious Padma Vibhushan award, which he received from President of India Pranab Mukherjee on March 30, 2015. Nevertheless, he later returned this award on December 3, 2020, as a show of support for the 2020-2021 Indian farmers’ protest.

Conclusion

The life and political career of Parkash Singh Badal, a stalwart of Indian politics, is a testament to his enduring dedication to the people of Punjab and the Sikh community. With a remarkable journey that began as the Sarpanch of a small village and culminated in multiple tenures as Chief Minister of Punjab, Badal’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the state’s political landscape. His association with the Shiromani Akali Dal and his influence over various Sikh organisations exemplify his pivotal role in Sikh politics.

While his political career was punctuated by highs and lows, Badal’s dedication to public service and the welfare of farmers was unwavering. His accolades, including the prestigious Padma Vibhushan, reflect the recognition of his contributions by the nation.

Parkash Singh Badal’s life is a story of resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the people of Punjab. His passing in 2023 marks the end of an era in Indian politics, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Parkash Singh Badal?

Parkash Singh Badal was a prominent figure in Indian politics, known for his multiple tenures as the Chief Minister of Punjab and his influential role in the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) political party.

What were the key highlights of Parkash Singh Badal's political career?

Parkash Singh Badal served as Chief Minister of Punjab four times and held various ministerial positions, including Union Minister of Agriculture in the Morarji Desai government. He was also the President of SAD and had a significant influence on Sikh organisations.

When and where was Parkash Singh Badal born?

Parkash Singh Badal was born on December 8, 1927, near Malout in Abul Khurana, Punjab.

How did Parkash Singh Badal enter politics?

Parkash Singh Badal's political journey began when he became the Sarpanch of his village. He later became the Chairman of Block Samiti in Lambi and was elected to the Punjab Vidhan Sabha in 1957 as a member of the Shiromani Akali Dal.

How many times did Parkash Singh Badal serve as Chief Minister of Punjab?

Parkash Singh Badal served as the Chief Minister of Punjab on four separate occasions: from 1970 to 1971, 1977 to 1980, 1997 to 2002, and 2007 to 2017.