Xi Zhongxun
During the Cultural Revolution, Bai was purged for his association with Hu Yaobang and was also labelled an associate of purged party veterans Peng Dehuai and Xi Zhongxun. Bai was placed in solitary confinement, and spent time working as a janitor. He also developed colon cancer. He resumed normal work in 1972, continuing to lead work in rural affairs.