Prakash Singh Badal, the Bhishm Pitamah of Punjab, and the five-time Chief Minister of Punjab has passed away at the age of 95 in Mohali. He was known as the and worked tirelessly for the growth and development of the state. He was instrumental in creating a special relationship between the BJP and his party, with a vision of promoting Hindu-Sikh brotherhood. Lets have a look at Badal's life and achievements which serve as a source of inspiration for many.
Badal served as the Chief Minister of Punjab for a total of five terms, making him the longest-serving Chief Minister in the history of the state. He was known for his administrative capabilities, leadership skills, and commitment to public service.
Prakash Singh Badal began his political career in 1947 when he became a sarpanch at a very young age. In 1957, he contested the first state assembly election and won. From 1969 to 1970, he served as the Minister of Panchayati Raj, Animal Husbandry, Dairy, and other ministries. He also served as the Chief Minister of Punjab from 1970-71, 1977-80, and 1997-2002. In addition to this, he also became the opposition leader in 1972, 1980, and 2002. He was elected as a Member of Parliament during the tenure of Prime Minister Morarji Desai.
In the 2022 election, he became the oldest candidate to contest the election, and after the election, he also became the oldest politician in the state.
During his tenure as Chief Minister, Badal launched several initiatives and schemes aimed at improving the standard of living of the people of Punjab. One of his most significant initiatives was the Punjab Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project, which aimed to provide clean drinking water and sanitation facilities to rural areas. The project was a huge success, with over 95% of rural households in Punjab having access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities.
Badal also launched the Atta-Dal Scheme, which provided subsidized food grains to poor families, and the Mai Bhago Vidya Scheme, which provided free education to girl students from primary to postgraduate level. The Shagun Scheme, which provided financial assistance to girls from economically weaker sections of society for their marriage, was another initiative launched by Badal's government.
During his tenure as Chief Minister of Punjab, Prakash Singh Badal implemented several policies and programs for the welfare of farmers. One of his major achievements was initiating the establishment of the Punjab Agricultural University in 1962. This university has since become a leading agricultural research and education center in the country, providing farmers with new technology and improved agricultural practices.
Badal also implemented several agricultural marketing reforms, including the establishment of the Punjab Mandi Board and the introduction of an electronic trading system in agricultural markets. These reforms led to an increase in farmers' income and a reduction in middlemen's involvement, bringing positive changes in the agricultural sector and benefiting the farmers in Punjab.
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Parkash Singh Badal was not only known for his political contributions but also for his ability to bridge the gap between different communities. He was the only Akali leader who was equally loved and respected among both Hindus and Sikhs. He believed in maintaining the spirit of brotherhood between different religions and communities and worked towards creating a harmonious and peaceful society.
Badal's association with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was seen as a significant move towards strengthening the secular fabric of the country. Despite being a Sikh leader, he never hesitated to ally with the BJP and even went on to form a coalition government with them. His efforts towards building a secular and inclusive society will always be remembered.
Badal had close relationships with several prominent leaders like Moraji desai, Kanshi Ram, Atal bihari Vajpayee as well as BJP leaders such as Amit Shah, L.K. Advani, and Narendra Modi. He played a key role in the formation of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the center and was a staunch advocate of federalism and state autonomy.
Under Badal's leadership, Punjab witnessed significant growth and development. The state's economy grew at an average rate of 7.7% during his tenure, and several industries, including IT, agriculture, and infrastructure, flourished. The state also made significant progress in the fields of education and healthcare, with several new schools, colleges, and hospitals being set up.
Badal's contributions to the growth and development of Punjab were widely recognized, and he received several awards and honors during his lifetime. In 2015, he was conferred with the Padma Vibhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors, in recognition of his services to the nation.
The passing of Parkash Singh Badal is a great loss to the people of Punjab and the country as a whole. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide future generations of leaders, and his contributions to the growth and development of Punjab will always be remembered and celebrated.