FORMER AKALI MP WALIA PASSES AWAY

PATIALA: Former Member of Parliament (MP) and trade union leader Charanjit Singh Walia, 78, passed away here on Thursday after prolonged illness. He represented the Shiromani Akali Dal from the Patiala Lok Sabha seat in the 8th Lok Sabha (1984-89).

Walia served as vice-president of the SAD before switching loyalty to the Congress in 2004. He was vocal as a trade unionist and remained president of the Electricity Board Employees Union and the Punjab State Services Federation.

In a condolence message, chief minister Parkash Singh Badal described Walia as a gentle politician who played a proactive role in safeguarding the interests of the employees.