Parkash Singh Badal
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Parkash Singh Badal is the current president of the Shiromani Akali Dal, a political party recognised in the Indian state of Punjab. He has also been the chief minister of the state of Punjab thrice. Often referred to as the grand old man of Punjab politics, he has been the undisputed leader of Punjab polity over the last decade.
Born in the village of Abul Khurana in 08-12-1927, he entered politics in 1947 and was first elected to Punjab Vidhan Sabha in 1957. He remained Chief Minister of Punjab on three different occasions i.e. from 27-03-1970 to 14-06-1971,20-06-1977 to 17-02-1980 and Feb. 1997 to Feb. 2002. Also he has been a Member of Parliament and became Union Minster of Agriculture and Irrigation in the Government headed by Late Sh. Morarji Desai. Further, Mr. Badal has remained Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha in 1972, 1980. Presently he holds the position of Leader of Opposition in 12th Punjab Vidhan Sabha from 2002. According to most opinion polls his party, Shiromani Akali Dal is expected to return to power in the next elections, which would make him Chief Minister for a record fourth time.
He was detained in Karnal jail in connection with Civil Liberties Agitation, detained under MISA during Emergency and has been to jail several times for the cause of Punjab, Punjabis and Punjabiat including the Dharam Yudh Morcha. In total he has spent 17 years in jail as a political prisoner fighting for the bright future of Punjab.
He has two children, one son and one daughter. His son, Sukhbir Singh Badal, is presently a Member of Parliament and a former union minister. His daughter is married to Adesh Pratap Singh Kairon, scion of the Kairon family, who is the grandson of the legendary Pratap Singh Kairon and nephew of former chief minister and Governor Harcharan Singh Brar.
