Former Punjab speaker and senior SAD leader Nirmal Singh Kahlon dies at 79

Gurdaspur, July 16

Former speaker and senior SAD leader Nirmal Singh Kahlon (79) has died in his sleep.

He was minister of rural development and panchayats in Punjab from 1997 to 2002 and Speaker of the Punjab Assembly from 2007 to 2012.

He was accused in a recruitment scam case, and was later acquitted.

Senior Akali leader Daljit Cheema, in a tweet, said the last rites of Kahlon would be performed at Dadujodh village near Fatehgarh Churian in Gurdaspur district on July 17.

SAD chief Sukhbir Badal also condoled the death.

“Deeply saddened to learn about the demise of senior Akali leader & former Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S Nirmal Singh Ji Kahlon. Kahlon sahab was a source of inspiration for all of us. His wise counsel will always be missed. I stand with Kahlon family in this hour of grief,” Badal said in a tweet.