Former Punjab CM Surjit Singh Barnala who took charge of the state when militancy was growing in the mid-80s passed away.
He died on 14th Jan 2017 at the age of 91 in Chandigarh.
Barnala served as Punjab's Chief Minister from 1985 to 1987.
A moderate leader of the Akali Dal, he became the CM after the Rajiv-Longowal pact to usher in peace in the state in 1985.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled Barnala's death.
A candidate for vice presidency in 1997, he was defeated by Krishna Kant. He served as governor of TN, AP, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Uttarakhand.
Barnala was also the Agriculture Minister in the Moraji Desai government and the Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Cabinet.
Surjit Singh Barnala: Know More - Born: 21 October 1925, Ateli
- Died: 14 January 2017
- Spouse: Surjit Kaur Barnala
- Education: University of Lucknow
- Party: Shiromani Akali Dal
