Ex-Union Minister & Akali Leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa Passes Away
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing away of former Union Minister and senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa. The 89-year-old leader breathed his last at a private clinic in Punjab’s Mohali on Wednesday, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and service to the nation.
Dhindsa was reportedly undergoing treatment for age-related issues before his demise. His passing away has sent shockwaves across the political landscape, with leaders and politicians from across the spectrum paying tributes to his memory.
A stalwart of the Shiromani Akali Dal, Dhindsa was a prominent figure in Punjab politics for decades. He held various positions within the party, including serving as the party’s secretary-general. He was also a member of the Indian Parliament, representing the Bathinda constituency.
Dhindsa’s career in politics was marked by several significant milestones. He was a minister in the Union government during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government, serving as the Minister of State for Defence from 1999 to 2004. His tenure as a minister was marked by several notable initiatives, including the modernization of the Indian defence forces.
In recognition of his outstanding service to the nation, Dhindsa was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour, in 2019. However, in a remarkable display of solidarity with the protesting farmers, Dhindsa returned the award in December 2020, citing the government’s refusal to repeal the three farm laws.
Dhindsa’s decision to return the Padma Bhushan was seen as a bold statement of defiance against the government’s policies, and it earned him widespread praise from the opposition parties and civil society groups. His actions demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the cause of the farmers, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of leaders to come.
Born on January 1, 1933, Dhindsa was a strong believer in the principles of democracy and social justice. Throughout his career, he remained committed to the cause of the common man, and his work in Parliament was marked by his tireless efforts to promote the welfare of the people.
Dhindsa’s passing away is a tremendous loss for the nation, and his absence will be deeply felt by his colleagues, friends, and family. His legacy, however, will continue to inspire and motivate future generations to work towards building a better India.
As the news of his passing away spreads, tributes have been pouring in from across the political spectrum. Leaders from various parties, including the Shiromani Akali Dal, the Congress, and the BJP, have paid their respects to Dhindsa’s memory, hailing him as a dedicated servant of the nation.
As we bid farewell to this great leader, we remember his remarkable contributions to Indian politics and his unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people. His legacy will continue to inspire us to work towards a brighter future, and his memory will be cherished by all who knew him.
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