Latest news with #Dhindsa
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
SUF condoles demise of senior SAD leader Dhindsa
Sikh United Front and various Sikh organisations on Thursday condoled the demise of senior SAD leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa. The condolence meeting was held under the chairmanship of Sudershan Singh Wazir, chairman of Sikh United Front of J&K. He expressed his grief over the demise of senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Dhindsa. Dhindsa was a Rajya Sabha MP from 1998 to 2004 and from 2010 to 2022. He was also Shiromani Akali Dal Lok Sabha MP from Sangrur in 2004. He was the Union minister of sports, chemicals and fertilisers during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government and also a four-time MLA. He also served as a cabinet minister of Punjab. Wazir said that Dhindsa was a visionary leader, an experienced parliamentarian and a person who lived a life dedicated to public service. He always had a grassroots level connect with Punjab, its people and culture. He served Sikh Panth and Punjab for many years and was a dignified leader who served Punjab with integrity and dedication, added Wazir. Various leaders of the Sikh community paid their heartfelt tribute and respect to the late leader and also prayed to the almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family.
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa ordered CBI probe that exposed cricket's darkest scandal
Chandigarh: Although his longest tenure as Union minister was in the portfolio of chemicals and fertilisers, Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, who passed away on Thursday due to prolonged illness at the age of 89, had hogged national limelight as sports minister for ordering a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation into the 2000 match fixing scandal which laid bare the dark underbelly of cricket. As Union sports minister Dhindsa ordered the CBI probe in May 2000 in which the central agency, in its report on "Cricket match fixing and related malpractices" indicted top Indian and international cricketers of that time. Following the CBI report and after a report of one-man commission headed by former CBI director K Madhavan formed by it, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had slapped a life ban on former Indian cricket team captain Mohammad Azharuddin and another player Ajay Sharma; and five-year ban on cricketers Ajay Jadeja and Manoj Prabhakar. The life bans on Azharuddin and Sharma were, however, overturned by the courts in 2012 and 2014, respectively. Responding to a question in an interview by an online magazine that he was not much known before the match fixing scandal, Dhindsa had said, "Of course, this is true. If the match-fixing scandal had not taken place, nobody would have known my name outside Punjab. I am thankful to God for this opportunity. Chance came my way and I decided to handle it to the best of my ability." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Beyond Text Generation: An AI Tool That Helps You Write Better Grammarly Install Now Undo As Union minister between 1999 and 2004, Dhindsa held different portfolios with additional charges as well at different points of time before he took over as Union minister of chemicals and fertilisers on Nov 7, 2000 and continued till May 22, 2004, at the time of dissolution of council of ministers led by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the NDA govt. Dhindsa's stint as Union minister of youth affairs and sports was only nine months — from Feb 2, 2000, to Nov 7, 2000. It was during this period that cricket match fixing scandal broke out, CBI probe ordered and report submitted. In a press conference, Dhindsa had released the CBI report on match fixing and related malpractices on Nov 1, 2000, two days after the CBI submitted it on October 30, 2000. Earlier, at the time of ordering the CBI probe, Dhindsa had fielded questions and described in details the circumstances and exercise leading to ordering the probe as he responded to a short notice question on the issue. MP Shyama Singh had then questioned that " why did the govt take 20 days to respond as the "match-fixing scandal came to the notice of the govt on April 7, 2000, but the minister convened a meeting of the BCCI officials and others only on April 27, 2000". Dhindsa, in his reply, said, "…they should appreciate our action because had we taken any action in haste, allegation would have been levelled against the govt that it was against BCCI and that was why so quick action was taken and CBI inquiry was instituted in this matter. " BOX Deep ties with sports Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa remained associated with sports in various capacities. The four-time MLA's association with sports dates back to 1977, when he was elected as MLA for the second time, inducted as minister and given sports portfolio. He was the life president of Punjab Olympic Association (POA), a position he was appointed on in June 2019 in the executive and annual general house meeting of the POA as it recognised his services as POA president for 41 long years till that time. He also served as president of the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) for 15 years before stepping down in 2011. MSID:: 121493205 413 |
Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa's long journey: Sarpanch to Union minister, Akali Dal stalwart to key rebel
The passing away of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) stalwart Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa not only marks an end of an era in Punjab politics but also deepens the uncertainty surrounding the future of the party. Dhindsa, 89, was among the few surviving members of a generation that shaped regional politics in Punjab with his grassroots credibility and administrative acumen. Born in a humble farming family in Ubhawal in 1936, Dhindsa's journey from being the youngest sarpanch in Sangrur district at 22 to becoming a Union minister was nothing short of extraordinary. A three-time Rajya Sabha MP, one-time Lok Sabha MP from Sangrur, Dhindsa was seen to be a clean politician who stood by his commitment to principled politics. He had been a member of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led Union Cabinet in the past. Dhindsa made headlines in 2020 when he said he would return his Padma Bhushan award in solidarity with farmers who were then protesting against the now-repealed central farm laws. For SAD, which has been grappling with factionalism, electoral losses and a dwindling support base, Dhindsa's demise signifies a leadership vacuum that may prove difficult to fill – both symbolically and organisationally. Though Dhindsa was expelled from the SAD twice during his decades-long political career, he commanded respect across party ranks. In the wake of the passing away of Akali Dal patriarch Parkash Singh Badal in 2023, he was often seen as the glue that kept the party together in times of crises. That Dhindsa's departure comes at a time when the SAD, once seen as the backbone of Punjab politics and a key representative of Sikh aspirations, is struggling to maintain relevance in the state's political landscape, is being seen as a blow to the party. Despite his differences with SAD president Sukhbir Badal, son of Parkash Badal, Dhindsa attempted to unify the splintered factions of the SAD – the SAD (Sanyukt) and Sudhaar Lehar – keeping the 'larger interests of Punjab' in mind. In March last year, he merged his breakaway SAD (Sanyukt) with the SAD and was asked by Sukhbir to assume the role of its patriarch. However, the truce seemed to be short-lived as four months later, Dhindsa quit the party after his son Parminder Singh Dhindsa was denied a Lok Sabha ticket from the Sangrur Lok Sabha seat. The father-son duo later became a part of the Sudhaar Lehar. The Sudhaar Lehar was disbanded in December last year on the directions of the Akal Takht. Though Dhindsa's SAD (Sanyukt) contested in alliance with Captain Amarinder Singh's Punjab Lok Congress and the BJP in the 2022 Assembly polls, he had told The Indian Express in August last year that 'The revival of the SAD is our only priority. We will soon unveil the party's new structure and contest the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) polls. We need to save the 104-year-old party.' However, the wedge between Dhindsa and the SAD only deepened after Sukhbir was re-elected as president in March this year as the former perceived it to be the party's failure to democratise and move beyond family-centric politics. Dhindsa's death coming barely two years after the passing away of Badal senior marks the loss of the SAD's most seasoned campaigners, who held the authority to mediate in times of internal crises. 'Dhindsa ji was the voice of wisdom who worked with Badal senior… Their advice kept the party grounded. His passing away is a blow to the panth as well as the SAD,' rebel SAD leader Charanjit Singh Brar said. Another rebel SAD leader Gurpartap Singh Wadala admitted that the party faced challenging times. 'Whenever the party was in crisis, we could look up to him and seek his advice. His death is a political vacuum for the party,' he said. While SAD sources admitted that the party's efforts at reviving are barely bearing any fruits, some of leaders feel that if various party factions bury their differences and put up a united front, it will be a 'real tribute' to Dhindsa. 'It is high time that SAD leaders set aside their personal ambitions. This will be a real tribute to Dhindsa ji, who always placed public life and panthic interests before himself,' SAD MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali said. On Thursday, Dhindsa's mortal remains were brought from Mohali to his residence in Sector 2, Chandigarh, where a stream of mourners—commoners and leaders alike—were seen paying their last respects to him. Dhindsa's funeral will take place in his native village Ubhawal in Sangrur district Friday, with his final journey expected to pass through Rajpura, Patiala, Bhawanigarh and Sangrur before reaching Ubhawal.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Veteran Akali leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa dies at 89; political leaders express grief
Veteran Akali leader and former Union Minister Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa died Wednesday (May 28, 2025) evening following age-related health issues at a private hospital in Mohali. He was 89. He is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters. According to a statement by the hospital, Dhindsa was admitted on Tuesday in a critical condition. He was suffering from severe pneumonia and cardiac complications, compounded by age-related health issues. "Despite the best efforts of the multidisciplinary medical team, he passed away at approximately 5:05 p.m. today due to cardiac arrhythmia and cardiac arrest," it said. Dhindsa's son Parminder Singh Dhindsa was the Finance Minister in the erstwhile Akali government. Sukhdev Dhindsa became Shiromani Akali Dal Lok Sabha MP from Sangrur in 2004. He was the Union minister of sports, chemicals and fertilizers in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. Dhindsa was a Rajya Sabha MP from 1998 to 2004 and from 2010 to 2022. The Akali stalwart was given Padma Bhushan in 2019, but he then announced that he would return it in solidarity with farmers who were on protest against the now-repealed three farm laws. Born on April 9, 1936, in Ubhawal village of Sangrur district, Dhindsa's political journey began as a student leader at Government Ranbir College. After completing his graduation, Dhindsa was elected the 'sarpanch' of his village. In 1972, he became an MLA from the Dhanaula Assembly seat, contesting as an Independent. Later, he became an MLA from Sunam and Sangrur assembly constituencies. After Akali patriarch Parkash Singh Badal, Dhindsa was the senior-most leader in the Shiromani Akali Dal Dhindsa was expelled twice from the party — first in February 2020 and then in August 2024 after he raised questions about party president Sukhbir Singh Badal. His son Parminder Singh Dhindsa, who was the Finance Minister from 2012 to 2017, was also expelled twice from the party. Sukhdev Dhindsa was critical of the party after its poor performance in the 2017 Assembly Polls. In 2018, he resigned from all positions in the party, alleging that the 'taksali' (old guard) leaders were being sidelined in the party. He raised a banner of revolt against the party leadership in 2020 and he floated own outfit, Shiromani Akali Dal (Democrat). In May 2021, Dhindsa and Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, also expelled from the SAD, floated a new political outfit, Shiromani Akali Dal (Sanyukt). Dhindsa became the president of the party, and Brahmpura its patron. SAD (Sanyuktt) fought the 2022 Punjab Assembly Polls in alliance with the BJP. In March 2024, a few months before the Lok Sabha polls, Dhindsa merged the party with Sukhbir Badal-led Shiromani Akali Dal. At that time, Dhindsa said, "There was an overwhelming feeling among our leaders and workers to merge with the SAD to effect unity in the Panth." The talks of reunion commenced in December 2023, when Badal sought an apology for the sacrilege incidents that took place during the Akali regime in 2015. However, in August 2024, the SAD again expelled Dhindsa, this time from the primary membership, for allegedly indulging in "anti-party" activities. The party also expelled other rebel leaders, who included former MP Prem Singh Chandumajra, ex-Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee chief Bibi Jagir Kaur, and Parminder Singh Dhindsa. The rebel leaders launched a 'Shiromani Akali Dal Sudhar Lehar' aimed to "strengthen and uplift" the 103-year-old party. Dhindsa also underwent religious punishment after the Sikh clergy at the Akal Takht on December 2, 2024, pronounced 'tankhah' (religious punishment) for Sukhbir Badal and other Akali leaders. The religious punishment was pronounced for the "mistakes" committed by the Shiromani Akali Dal and its government in Punjab from 2007 to 2017. Political leaders express grief Political leaders across parties condoled the death of Dhindsa, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling him a 'towering statesman with great wisdom and an unwavering commitment to public service'. Other leaders who condoled Dhindsa's demise included Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, BJP leader and former CM Capt Amarinder Singh and Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa. In his condolence message, Mr. Mann expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the senior Akali leader, acknowledging his relentless efforts for the welfare of the people. Extending his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family, the Chief Minister prayed to the God to give eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to family members for bearing this irreparable loss. Shiromani Akali Dal president Badal, while paying his tributes, said, 'My heart is deeply saddened by the passing away of Sardar Sukhdev Singh Ji Dhindsa Sahab'. In a post on X in Punjabi, Mr. Badal said Dhindsa, while being part of the SAD, served Punjab and the community for a long time which will always be remembered. Capt Singh said he was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, 'a dignified leader who served Punjab with integrity and dedication'. 'My heartfelt condolences to his family and supporters. May Waheguru grant peace to his soul,' Capt. Amarinder posted on X. Congress leader Bajwa, who is Leader of the Opposition in Punjab Assembly, described Dhindsa as a 'towering figure' in Punjab politics. 'A towering figure in Punjab politics, Dhindsa dedicated over six decades to public service. His legacy will be remembered with deep respect. May he rest in peace,' Mr. Bajwa posted on X. PM Modi said that Dhindsa's death is a major loss to the nation. 'He always had a grassroots level connect with Punjab, its people and culture. He championed issues like rural development, social justice and all-round growth. He always worked to make our social fabric even stronger,' the Prime Minister said in a post on X. Former Punjab minister Manpreet Singh Badal also condoled the demise of Dhindsa, whom he described as a grassroot leader who carried Punjab in his heart. 'Deeply saddened by the passing of S. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa Ji,' Mr. Manpreet Badal posted on X. 'I had the privilege of beginning my political journey under his guidance. His quiet wisdom and unwavering commitment continue to inspire me. His memory will live on in the fight for justice. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones,' he said. Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring said Dhindsa contributed immensely and positively to the state and national politics. 'My profound and heartfelt condolences over the sad demise of Sardar Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa Sahab. We have lost a great son of the soil who served Punjab for over six decades.' 'He served as the Union Minister besides contributing immensely and positively to the state and national politics. He was probably among the last great icons of the state who were witness to the eventful history of Punjab. Vacuum created by his demise will be too difficult to be filled,' Mr. Warring said in a post on X. BJP's national general secretary Tarun Chugh said Dhindsa was a visionary leader, an experienced parliamentarian and a person who lived a life dedicated to public service.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Sukhdev Dhindsa: Akali stalwart leaves behind indelible imprint on Punjab politics
Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, 89, who passed away of protracted illness in Mohali on Wednesday, remained the closest companion of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) patriarch Parkash Singh Badal for more than 40 years, holding the number two position in the party as a secretary general. Dhindsa was admitted to a private hospital in Mohali on Tuesday due to severe infection. He is survived by wife, two daughters and son Parminder Singh Dhindsa, former finance minister in the SAD-BJP government. According to the family sources, the funeral will take place in his ancestral Ubhawal village, Sangrur, on Friday. As per the medical bulletin from the hospital, Dhindsa was suffering from severe pneumonia and cardiac complications, compounded by age-related health issues. 'Despite the best efforts of the multidisciplinary medical team, he passed away at 5:05 pm due to cardiac arrest and arrhythmia,' it added. Coming from a humble peasant family, Dhindsa scaled the political ladder, starting as a village sarpanch and then becoming chairman of the district market committee. He became chairman of the cooperative bank in the home district, MLA, minister in state cabinet and finally a Union minister. He was given Padma Shri (civilian award) in 2019 that he later announced to return in solidarity with farmers who were on protest against the now-repealed three farm laws. Born on April 9, 1936, in Ubhawal village of Sangrur district, Dhindsa's political journey began as a student leader at Government Ranbir College. After completing his graduation, Dhindsa was elected the 'sarpanch' of his village. Dhindsa, who joined the SAD in 1972 after being elected as an MLA from Dhanaula as an independent candidate, becoming education minister, was the first to raise voice of dissent challenging Sukhbir Singh Badal's leadership in 2018 when the party lost the state assembly election of 2017. He became party's secretary general in 1995 when Parkash Singh Badal became party president for the first time and continued even when Sukhbir took over the party reins in 2008. In 2018, he resigned from the party, alleging that the old leaders were being sidelined. In May 2021, Dhindsa and Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, also expelled from the SAD, floated a new outfit, Shiromani Akali Dal (Sanyukt) which contested the 2022 assembly polls in alliance with the BJP. Before the Lok Sabha elections, Dhindsa merged the party with Sukhbir Badal-led SAD in March 2024. In August 2024, the SAD again expelled Dhindsa from the primary membership for allegedly indulging in 'anti-party' activities. In a condolence message, Sukhbir said the passing away of Dhindsa deeply saddened him. 'He served the Sikh panth and Punjab for many years while being in the Shiromani Akali Dal. I pray to almighty that the departed soul may rest in peace,' Sukhbir wrote on his social platform. SAD leader Naresh Gujral termed him one of the finest people. 'His contribution to Punjab and SAD can never be underestimated. He dedicated his entire life to the service of the nation,' Gujral said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed him a 'towering statesman with great wisdom and an unwavering commitment to public service'. Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann acknowledged his relentless efforts for the welfare of the people. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said Punjab as well as the country lost a great leader whose loss will be felt for a long time to MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh recalled Dhindsa as a politician who enjoyed affinity with the leader across party lines. Delhi Sikh Gurdwara management Committee (DSGMC) president Harmeet Singh Kalka said that in Dhindsa's death, an era came to an end. 'A leader who was father figure for present class of politicians, used to call spade a spade and was a forthright person,' he added. Manjinder Singh Sirsa, cabinet minister in Delhi government, termed him as a leader who had seen party's rise to the pinnacle and represented it in the Centre as a Union minister in Vajpayee's cabinet. A moderate Jat Sikh in leftists' belt According to Prof Balkar Singh who retired as a head of the Sikh studies department in Panjab University, 'Dhindsa possessed a peculiar quality as a moderate Jat Sikh in the leftists' belt in Sangrur-Barnala-Mansa belt. He was down to earth. A sportsperson in his college days, he was very hard working,' said Balkar Singh, who studied with Dhindsa in Ranbir College, Sangrur. Dhindsa's emergence was catalysed diring the mid-1980s during Badal-Barnala era. 'He (Dhindsa) remained loyal to Badal Senior throughout his political career and never questioned his decisions,' said Balkar Singh. Badal loyalist Former bureaucrat Harkesh Singh Sidhu, a close associate of Dhindsa, recalled him as a leader who was loyal to the core. 'In 1985 when Surjeet Singh Barnala became CM, he offered Dhindsa the position of a minister or a speaker but he refused due to his loyalty to the Badals,' he informed. According to Sidhu, Dhindsa was elected as an MLA from Sunam in 1980 and from Sangrur in 1985. He became chairman of the erstwhile Punjab State Electricity Board in 1997, and was nominated to Rajya Sabha in 1998 to became sports minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. In 1999, he became chemical and fertilizer minster in the Centre. In 2004, he was elected to the Lok Sabha but lost to Bhagwant Mann in 2014. Dhindsa's son Parminder Singh Dhindsa has joined hands with a party faction who these days are enrolling members for the SAD.
