Ex-Union Minister & Akali leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa passes away
Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, a veteran leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal and a former Union Minister, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 89. He was undergoing treatment for age-related issues at a private clinic in Mohali, Punjab, when he breathed his last.
Dhindsa was a prominent figure in Punjab politics for decades and held various positions in the state and central governments. He was a four-time Lok Sabha member and also served as a Union Minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. He was known for his strong views and was a vocal critic of the Congress party.
In 2019, Dhindsa was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour, for his contributions to public service. However, he returned the award in December 2020 in protest against the Centre’s farm laws, which were passed amidst widespread opposition from farmers. Dhindsa was a strong supporter of the farmers’ movement and had been vocal about his opposition to the laws.
Dhindsa’s political career spanned over five decades, during which he held various positions in the Shiromani Akali Dal. He was a member of the party’s core committee and was known for his deep understanding of Sikh politics and history. He was also a close associate of former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and was considered one of the most influential leaders of the party.
In his early years, Dhindsa was a prominent leader of the Akali Dal’s youth wing and played a key role in the party’s rise to power in the 1970s and 1980s. He was also a close associate of Sant Fateh Singh, a prominent Sikh leader who played a key role in the Punjab movement.
Dhindsa’s entry into mainstream politics came in 1984 when he won the Bhullar seat in the Punjab Assembly elections. He went on to win the seat four times, including in 1992, 1997, 2002, and 2007. In 2004, he was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Fatehgarh Sahib seat.
In the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, Dhindsa was appointed as the Minister of State for Agriculture and was responsible for implementing several key agricultural reforms. He was known for his strong views on issues related to agriculture and was a vocal critic of the Centre’s policies on the subject.
Dhindsa’s passing away has been condoled by leaders across the political spectrum. Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, and senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal have all paid tributes to the veteran leader.
Dhindsa is survived by his wife, daughter, and son. His son, Ranjit Singh Dhindsa, is also a prominent Akali Dal leader and has been a member of the Punjab Assembly.
In conclusion, Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa was a veteran leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal and a former Union Minister who played a significant role in Punjab politics for decades. His passing away is a loss for the state and the country, and he will be remembered for his strong views and his commitment to public service.
News Source:
https://x.com/pti_news/status/1927709122364903740
