CHANDIGARH: Baldev Singh, an MLA from Bathinda, who was injured in the August 31 blast that killed the Punjab Chief Minister, died here at the PGI Sept.11, raising the death toll in the explosion to 18. Baldev Singh, who had suffered 66% bums, succumbed to injuries after battling for life for 11 days. Sources at the PGI disclosed that he was not even aware about the fate of the Chief Minister. In the intervening days, he was also visited by senior politicians and ministers.
Earlier, Dhanwant Singh, a member of the secretariat security staff, who had suffered a fracture in the arm and 55% bums on his neck, died on Saturday.
As the news of Baldey Singh’s death reached the Punjab Government, all offices and educational institutions in the state were closed as a mark of respect to the departed leader. The newly installed Cabinet in the state also observed a two minute silence to condole the death of the MLA. Ina condolence message, the Punjab Chief Minister, H.S. Brar, expressed shock and grief over the death of Baldev Singh. In a separate message the Haryana Chief Minister, Bhajan Lal, remembered the departed MLA as active social worker. He also conveyed his condolences to the family.
The adviser to the UT Administrator, V.K. Duggal, in a message to the bereaved family, said his death was a loss to the nation. He was cremated with state honors at his home town, Bathinda, SepL.11th. He is survived by wife, Sukhwinder Kaur, father, mother and three brothers. ‘The 31yearold MLA got married only nine months ago. He was a double MA with degrees in political science and Punjabi, besides being an M.Phil in political science.
‘The cremation was attended by Kewal Krishan, Finance Minister, Dilbagh Singh, Agriculture and Cooperative Minister and Sukhpal Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Bathinda. All the three also placed wreaths on the body of Baldev Singh.
Meanwhile, H.S. Brar has assured that the 24yearold widow of Baldey Singh will be given a suitable government job.
Article extracted from this publication >> September 15, 1995
