Served as Governor of Tamil Nadu (1990-91 and 2004-2011) and Andhra Pradesh (2003-2004). He was the first governor of Uttaranchal, now Uttarakhand (November 2000 to January 2003). He also held additional charge of Governor in Orissa (now Odisha). He was also Lt Governor of Andaman and Nicobar and Pondicherry (now Puducherry). He served as Union Agriculture Minister in the Janata Party government of Morarji Desai (1977-1979) and held the portfolio of Chemicals and Fertilizers in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government in 1998.
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Former Punjab CM Surjit Singh Barnala passes away at 91
Last rites to take place on Monday in Barnala town in Punjab
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PTI
Chandigarh
Former Punjab Chief Minister Surjit Singh Barnala, who took over reins of the state in the difficult period when militancy was at its peak in the mid-80s, died here Saturday at the age of 91.
Barnala, who served as Chief Minister from 1985 to 1987, was admitted to the Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) here on Thursday.
A moderate leader of the Akali Dal, he became chief minister after the Rajiv-Longowal accord to usher in peace in the troubled state was reached in the summer of 1985.
Barnala was admitted to the Cardiac Care Unit of PGI and was shifted Saturday morning to respiratory ICU where he breathed his last.
As Governor of Tamil Nadu, Barnala had famously refused to recommend dismissal of the DMK government in 1991 when the late Chandrashekhar was the Prime Minister for a short time.
When he was transferred to Bihar following his refusal, he chose to resign as Governor.
The government headed by Chandrashekhar then dismissed the Karunanidhi ministry using the “otherwise” provision in Article 356 of the Constitution after Barnala's refusal to make a recommendation.
He had also served as Governor of Uttarakhand, Andhra Pradesh and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Barnala was Agriculture Minister at the Centre in the Moraji Desai government and Chemicals & Fertilizers Minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Cabinet.
Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has condoled the death of the former Senior Akali Leader. Barnala is survived by wife Surjit Kaur and two sons, including Gaganjit Singh Barnala, a former MLA. He had been unwell for some time before he was shifted to PGI.
The departed leader's last rites will take place on Monday in his native Barnala town in Punjab.
In April last year, Shiromani Akali Dal's breakaway faction SAD (Longowal) which was led by Kaur had merged with the Congress.
Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator V P Singh Badnore also condoled the demise of Barnala.
In his condolence message, Badnore termed Barnala, “as firm, polite and an able administrator who left an indelible mark not only in Punjab as the Chief Minister but also in other states where he held the top Constitutional position as Governor.” He was a great stalwart in politics, said Badnore.
In his condolence message, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal recalled the services rendered by Barnala as Tamil Nadu Governor, as Punjab Chief Minister and Minister in the Union Cabinet.
Badal said that former Chief Minister was an able administrator and above all a fine human being with qualities of head and heart.
He prayed to the Almighty to give strength to the bereaved family to bear the huge loss and grant eternal peace to the departed soul.
Punjab Congress President Amarinder also condoled Barnala's demise and extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family.
Punjab BJP too mourned Barnala's death.
Extending his heartfelt condolences, Union Minister and state BJP president, Vijay Sampla said Barnala was a politician par excellence besides being a thorough gentleman.
“With Sardar Barnala's demise we have lost a treasure trove of high moral values,” said Sampla.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar also expressed grief over the demise of Barnala.
In a condolence message issued here, Khattar conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family and prayed that the departed soul may rest in peace.
