Extremely saddened by the passing away of Shri Parkash Singh Badal Ji. He was a colossal figure of Indian politics, and a remarkable statesman who contributed greatly to our nation,” Modi said in a tweet.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday described the demise of former Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal as a “personal loss” and said he was a colossal figure of Indian politics who contributed greatly to the nation. Shiromani Akali Dal patriarch Badal died at a private hospital in Mohali in Punjab on Tuesday. He was 95.

“I recall our numerous conversations, in which his wisdom was always clearly seen. Condolences to his family and countless admirers,” he said.

Badal was admitted to the Fortis Hospital in Mohali over a week ago after he complained of uneasiness in breathing.