Ex-Union Minister & Akali leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa passes away
It is with great sadness that we bid adieu to a stalwart of Indian politics, Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, the former Union Minister and senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader, who breathed his last at the age of 89 at a private clinic in Punjab’s Mohali on Wednesday. Dhindsa was reportedly undergoing treatment for age-related issues at the time of his passing.
Dhindsa’s illustrious career spanned over several decades, during which he held various significant positions in the government and politics. He was a prominent figure in the Shiromani Akali Dal, a political party that has been instrumental in shaping the politics of Punjab.
In his illustrious career, Dhindsa held several ministerial positions, including that of the Union Minister of Food and Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, and Housing and Urban Development. He was also a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian parliament, and served as the Chairman of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Dhindsa’s contributions to Indian politics were recognized with the highest honors. In 2019, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honor, for his services to the nation. However, in a notable gesture, Dhindsa returned the award in December 2020, along with several other prominent figures, in protest against the Centre’s farm laws, which they felt would harm the interests of Punjab’s farmers.
The passing of Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa is a great loss to the nation and the state of Punjab, where he was revered as a leader who fought tirelessly for the welfare of the people. His demise has sent shockwaves across the political spectrum, with leaders from across the country paying tributes to his memory.
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, who was a close friend and colleague of Dhindsa, expressed his condolences, saying, “Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa was a true leader who dedicated his life to public service. His passing is a great loss to the state and the nation.”
Other leaders, including Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, also paid tributes to Dhindsa’s memory, hailing him as a statesman and a champion of farmers’ rights.
Dhindsa’s passing is also a reminder of the contributions he made to the development of Punjab’s agriculture sector. As a Minister, he played a key role in shaping the state’s agricultural policies and was instrumental in the growth of the state’s economy.
In his later years, Dhindsa remained involved in politics, albeit at a slower pace, and was a vocal critic of the Centre’s policies. His return of the Padma Bhushan was seen as a bold statement against the Centre’s farm laws, which he felt would harm the interests of Punjab’s farmers.
As we bid adieu to Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, we remember his contributions to Indian politics and his commitment to the welfare of the people of Punjab. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders and politicians, and his memory will be cherished by the people of the state.
