Badal, Khattar express grief over Jakhar's death

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar today expressed grief over the demise of veteran Congress leader and former Lok Sabha Speaker Balram Jakhar, who passed away at New Delhi this morning.
In a condolence message, Badal said the nation has lost a balanced and an experienced leader, who was an ardent exponent of clean and value based politics, besides being an icon of farming community, who ever championed their cause at the highest pedestal.
He said Chaudhary Balram Jakhar was a seasoned politician, an able administrator, a true Parliamentarian and above all a fine human being with the rare qualities of head and heart, who served the country in various capacities.

Describing death of former Union Minister as a colossal loss to the country in general and a huge 'personal loss' particularly, Badal recalled his warm and cordial ties with the Jakhar family since long, which were still persistent even in the second generation.
Punjab Chief Minister also called up Congress MLA and son of departed leader Sunil Jakhar over telephone to share his heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family on the death of one of the greatest sons of soil.
Badal also declared a holiday in all the government offices, boards/ corporations, public sector undertakings for the rest of the day as a mark of respect to the departed leader and directed the state administration to accord full state honours during Balram Jakhar's cremation.

Meanwhile, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in his condolence message described Balram Jakhar as a seasoned parliamentarian and a true and committed leader of farmers who raised his voice in the support of the poor throughout his life.

Chaudhary Balram Jakhar was elected as MLA to the state assembly in 1972 and remained Deputy Minister of Cooperation, Irrigation and Power.
In 1977 he became the leader of Opposition in Punjab Vidhan Sabha during which he was accorded Cabinet rank by the then Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal.
He was elected Member Parliament (MP) from Ferozepur in 1980 after which he was elected as Lok Sabha Speaker which he continued till 1989, after his election from Sikar (Rajasthan) in 1985.