PM Modi’s tribute to Badal: A statesman who overcame challenges like phoenix

In a signed article, Modi wrote that he (Badal) steadfastly opposed any plan that would weaken India or compromise the interests of the people of Punjab, even if it meant loss of power. “His contribution to our nation is indelible. He was among the bravest soldiers for the restoration of democracy during the dark days of the Emergency. He himself suffered the high-handedness of the imperious Congress culture when his governments were dismissed. And, these experiences only made his belief in democracy stronger,” he said.

Modi said that Badal Sahab was a person who brought people together and could work with leaders of all ideologies. “Badal Sahab never associated any relationship with political gains or losses. This was particularly useful in furthering a spirit of national unity,” he said, adding, “The void left by Badal Sahab’s demise will be tough to fill. Here was a statesman whose life witnessed many challenges but he overcame them and rose like a phoenix.”

The Prime Minister said that in his passing away, he (Modi) has lost a father figure, someone who guided him for decades. “In ways more than one, he shaped India’s and Punjab’s politics that can be described as unparalleled,” he said. He said it can be confidently said that Sardar Parkash Singh Badal Sahab ranks among the tallest kisan neta (farmer leader) of our times. “Agriculture was his real passion. Whenever he spoke on any occasion, his speeches were filled with facts, latest information and a lot of personal insight,” he said.

Recalling his long association with the five-time chief minister, Modi said that he got to closely interact with Badal Sahab in the 1990s when he was involved in party work in North India. “Badal Sahab’s reputation preceded him – he was a political stalwart who had been Punjab’s youngest chief minister, a Union cabinet minister and someone who held sway over the hearts of crores of Punjabis across the world. I, on the other hand, was an ordinary karyakarta. Yet, true to his nature, he never let this create a gap between us. He was filled with warmth and kindness,” he said.

He said that in the mid and late 1990s, the political climate in Punjab was very different and the state had seen much turmoil and elections were due in 1997. “Our parties went to the people together and Badal Sahab was our leader. His credibility was a key reason that the people blessed us with a resounding win. Not only that, our alliance successfully won the municipal elections in Chandigarh and also the Lok Sabha seat in the city. His persona was such that our alliance went on to serve the state for 15 years between 1997 and 2017!” he wrote.

Modi said that after 2001, he got to interact with Badal in a different capacity as they both were chief ministers of their respective states. “I was blessed to receive Badal Sahab’s guidance on numerous issues, especially those related to agriculture, including water conservation, animal husbandry and dairy. He was also someone who believed in tapping the potential of the diaspora, considering there are so many hardworking Punjabis settled overseas,” he said.

He said after the NDA Government came to power at the Centre in 2014, he once again provided valuable insights based on his rich governmental experience and strongly supported reforms, including the historic GST.