Raj Sadosh/Badal/Abohar.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal, addressing a massive gathering on the first death anniversary of the five-time Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, underlined the need for re-dedication to the ideals of peace and communal harmony under a people friendly government in Punjab. “It is impossible to become Badal Sahab but I assure you I am ready to sacrifice everything for the ‘qaum’ and Punjab like him”.

BJP state president Sunil Jakhar said “Badal Sahab’s humility was unparalleled”. Terming the Akali patriarch as a Vikas Purush, Mr Jakhar said the Akali patriarch was a true statesman who allied with the BJP after more than a decade of strife to usher in peace and communal harmony in the State. “I salute this spirit”.

SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said “today all political parties feel that strengthening the SAD is the need of the hour.

INLD patriarch Om Parkash Chautala said “Badal Sahab spent more than a decade in jail for the welfare of Punjabis. Jan Nayak Janata Party leader Dushyant Chautala called Mr Parkash Singh Badal as the Nelson Mandela of Punjab politics. Haryana minister Choudhary Ranjit Singh termed Mr Badal as a pious soul.

SAD Patron Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, CPI leader Bant Singh Brar, CPM leader Sukhwinder Singh Sekhon also paid tributes.