Senior SAD leader and former Union minister Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa dies at 89
Senior SAD leader and former Sangrur MP Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa passed away on Wednesday evening after a prolonged illness, marking the end of an era in Punjab's political landscape. He died at Fortis Hospital in Mohali at the age of 89. He is survived by his wife, son and former finance minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa, and two daughters.
Born on April 9, 1936, in Ubhawal village of Sangrur district, Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa was educated at Government Ranbir College, Sangrur, where he was a student leader. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in politics and public service.
Dhindsa became the president of the student council of his college and later the youngest sarpanch of Ubhawal. He became a block samiti member thereafter and in 1972 won as an independent candidate from the Dhanaula constituency, which was then in Sangrur district but is now in Barnala. After winning the Assembly election, he joined the SAD. Later in 1977, he won from the Sunam constituency as an MLA.
Dhindsa held important portfolios like transport, sports, and tourism during his tenure as a state minister.
Dhindsa was a Rajya Sabha member from 1998 to 2004 and from 2010 to 2022. He was the Sangrur MP from 2004 to 2009. He was Union minister of sports and chemicals from 2000 to 2004. As a four-time MLA, he served as a Punjab cabinet minister as well.
Dhindsa was awarded the Padma Shri in 2004.
Dhindsa had parted ways with Sukhbir Singh Badal-led Shiromani Akali Dal long back and was with the SAD's rebel faction later.
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