Patiala, Mar 28: Veteran Congress leader and former Punjab Minister Lal Singh passed away on Saturday, according to family sources.
Known as the “Bhishma Pitamah” of the Punjab Congress, the 84-year-old leader breathed his last at a private hospital in Mohali, they said.
He complained of breathing difficulties at his Chandigarh residence earlier in the day and was rushed to a hospital, where he died, they said.
A towering figure in Punjab politics, his career spanned nearly five decades. In the 1990s, he emerged as a powerful and influential minister in the Cabinet of the then Chief Minister Beant Singh, playing a key role in governance during a transformative period in the state’s history.
He later served as finance minister under the Congress government headed by Amarinder Singh between 2002 and 2007.
A six-term MLA, Lal Singh was first elected in 1977 from Dakala — which he represented five times — and later won from Sanour in 2012. He also served as president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC).
He is survived by his son, former Samana MLA Kaka Rajinder Singh, and daughter Rupinder Kaur. Kaka Rajinder Singh accompanied his father’s mortal remains to Patiala.
Speaking to PTI over the phone, Kaka Rajinder Singh said the last rites will be held in Patiala on Sunday.
Condolences poured in from across the political spectrum, underlining the respect Lal Singh commanded.
BJP leader and former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said on X, “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing away of S. Lal Singh Ji, who was known to me for many years now and worked together with me in (the then Cong) government as well.”
“S. Lal Singh Ji was a good friend, and we will miss him. My condolences to his family and supporters in this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace,” Amarinder said.
Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal said Lal Singh’s lifelong contribution to public service would always be remembered.
“My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and followers. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Badal said in a post on X.
Union Minister and BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu said Lal Singh’s contribution to Punjab’s progress and peace will always be remembered.
“Expressing deep sorrow on the passing of S. Lal Singh Ji. A seasoned politician and a close associate of my grandfather. His contribution to Punjab’s progress and peace will always be remembered. May Waheguru grant the family strength to bear this immense loss,” Bittu posted on X.
Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa, who is the Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, said Lal Singh dedicated decades of his life to public service and the people of the state.
“Saddened by the passing of Lal Singh ji. A seasoned leader who served as PPCC President and Finance Minister of Punjab, he dedicated decades of his life to public service and the people of the state.
“My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and supporters. May his soul rest in peace,” Bajwa said on X.
Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring called his demise an irreparable loss and described him as a wise and widely respected leader whose legacy would continue to inspire.
“His absence will be profoundly missed. He carried with him immense wisdom that he had gathered over his decades of experience of being in politics and public life.
“While being a dyed-in-the-wool Congressman, he never let his political ideology prevent a personal relationship with people across the spectrum. He was deservingly loved and respected by one and all, cutting across the political lines,” Warring said.
Congress leaders Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and Pargat Singh also expressed grief.
SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia said Lal Singh prioritised people’s issues, and his demise marks a “significant loss to both the political and social spheres”.
“S. Lal Singh carved a distinct identity in Punjab’s politics through his long years of honesty, simplicity and commitment to public service. He was known for his humble nature and clean image,” Majithia said on X. (PTI)
