The who's who of Punjab politics got together to mourn the demise of actor-turned-politician Vinod Khanna, who succumbed to cancer at the age of 70 on Thursday morning.
Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, his predecessor Parkash Singh Badal, State BJP chief Vijay Sampla and other leaders expressed grief over the demise of the four-time Gurdaspur MP.
Capt Amarinder, in his condolence message, recalled Khanna's contribution in the overall development of Punjab's border areas, especially the Gurdaspur district.
In his death, "Indian polity has been deprived of a fine politician and a great human being, as well as a powerful actor. The void left by him will be hard to fill", said Capt Amarinder.
Extending his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family, Capt Amarinder said that he prays to the Almighty to give them courage to bear this tragic loss and to grant peace to the departed soul.
Shiromani Akali Dal patron and former Chief Minister Badal and his son and SAD president Sukhbir Badal expressed shock at the demise of the Gurdaspur MP.
“Vinod Khanna ji will be always remembered for the stellar role played by him in constructing bridges on the Beas and Ravi rivers. This was a real boon for the people of Gurdaspur and neighbouring areas," said Badal.
Sukhbir said that in his death, he had lost an elder associate who was always positive in his outlook and had a zeal for serving the people as well as his mother State Punjab. Khanna's death had left a void in Gurdaspur constituency which would be difficult to fill, he added.
Union Minister and Punjab BJP chief Vijay Sampla, extending his heartfelt condolences, said that Khanna's death was a big loss to the party. "Vinod Khanna was not only an actor par excellence but he was also a mass leader who was sensitive towards the poor and needy," he said.
Sampla added, "Khanna was a dedicated leader who worked hard for the party. His death is an irreparable loss to the BJP and his contributions to the party and society will always be remembered. I pray that his departed soul may rest in peace."
Meanwhile, the State BJP unit cancelled its State executive , which was scheduled for April 30. The meeting has been rescheduled for May 14 at ludhiana.
Punjab Assembly Speaker Rana Kanwar Pal Singh has also expressed grief over Khanna's demise.
Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu termed Khanna's death as a colossal loss not only for Punjab but also for the entire nation. "Vinod Khanna was like my elder brother from whom I had imbibed clean and honest political values," he said, adding that Khanna was in himself an institution of films and was a source of pride for the Punjabis.
He also said that Khanna was one of those rare gems who made it big in political arena also and served as lok Sabha MP four times.
Aam Aadmi Party State convener Gurpreet Singh Ghuggi said that Khanna was one of the finest actors of his time and a generous politician, "but above all, he was gentle soul".
“Indian cinema will always miss a superstar who was known for his own style of acting. As a politician, he served the people of Gurdaspur with his humbleness,” he added.