Parkash Singh Badal prayer meeting: Leaders ask panth to get united and strengthen SAD

Most of the speakers in their address also asked Sukhbir to strengthen the Akali Dal. Many said that the Akali patriarch’s attributes like self-discipline, humbleness, punctuality to name a few were worth emulating and if imbibed in life they would stand everyone in good stead.

While thanking everyone present at the prayer meeting, Sukhbir in his address said, “It is difficult to be like Badal Saab. He was an unparalleled leader of his time. But I will try my best. In the last 10 days, from the President of India to Prime Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker, Union home minister, sitting chief ministers, former chief ministers of many states and political leaders cutting across party lines had either come to condole the death of Badal Saab or had sent condolence messages. It shows the respect and love that he had earned in his 70 years of political journey.” He added, “If I, my family or even my elders had said anything wrong to anyone, I ask for their forgiveness. I am thankful to all the religious leaders who have come here today. They have always blessed my father. And I am sure they will keep showering their blessings on me as well.”

Earlier while paying tributes to Badal senior, former CPI MLA Hardev Arshi said, “I have a few words of advice for Sukhbir. Imbibe in life your father’s qualities of punctuality, humbleness, tolerance and no political vendetta. It’s a tough task ahead for you.”

Paramjit Singh Sarna, former Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee president, said, “Strengthening Akali Dal would be the real tribute to Badal Saab. Sukhbir has to carry forward the legacy of his father in order to save the panth and it’s a big responsibility for him.”

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami in his address said, “Not only Sukhbir but we all need to imbibe the values of former CM Parkash Singh Badal in order to bring Punjab back on track. The panth must stay united and that’s the need of the hour.”

Sukhbir ‘s estranged cousin Manpreet Badal said, “I wish that my elder brother treads in the footsteps of his father.”
SAD leaders Balwinder Singh Bhunder and Prem Singh Chandumajra said, “Badal senior had a vision for Punjab and we hope Sukhbir Singh Badal will try to work on it. Now it’s his responsibility to make the Akali veteran’s dream a reality.” Balwinder Singh Bhunder added, “Let’s all stop criticising each other and get united and strengthen the party for the tall leader.”

On the occasion Sukhbir was presented turbans by Jathedars of Akal Takht, Takht Damdama Sahib, Takht Kesgarh Sahib. Nirmal Sampraday, Udasi Sampraday, Sant Samaj and several other religious organisations too presented him turbans so as to carry forward the legacy of Badal senior.

There was no representative from Punjab government’s side to pay tributes to the former five-time CM at the prayer meeting. Talwandi Sabo MLA Baljinder Kaur came to condole the death of Badal senior on Thursday but at the house of Badals.