Latest news with #ShiromaniAkaliDal
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal seeks compensation, job to victim's kin
Senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and Bathinda parliamentarian Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Monday visited the family of Narinderdeep Singh, who allegedly died in police custody recently. The MP demanded an independent probe into the incident that led to the death of a resident of Goniana town under suspicious circumstances. The family alleged that Narinderdeep was subjected to police torture and demanded justice. The MP said the aggrieved family should be given compensation and a member of the family should also be given a government job. Other short stories Will make Punjab education hub of India: Minister Chandigarh Punjab higher education minister Harjot Singh Bains on Monday directed officials to expedite the processing of proposals from private colleges seeking university status. The move aims to streamline the upgradation process, reinforce academic excellence, and expand access to quality higher education in the state. To ensure effective coordination and real-time monitoring, the minister designated director higher education Girish Dayalan as the nodal officer for overseeing the progress of all such proposals. 'We are committed to removing unnecessary delays and creating a robust ecosystem for higher learning and make Punjab the education hub of India,' said Bains. Day 93 of war against drugs: 98 smugglers held Chandigarh The anti-drugs campaign, Yudh Nashian Virudh, launched by the Punjab government entered 93rd day on Monday, and the state police arrested 98 drug smugglers and recovered 1.5 kg heroin, 2,508 intoxicant pills and ₹3,900 drug money from their possession. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached 15,117 in 93 days. The operation was conducted on the directions of the DGP, Punjab, Gaurav Yadav simultaneously in all 28 police districts of the state.
Hindustan Times
4 days 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.
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Political outrage erupts as Punjab govt moves ahead with land acquisition project for urban development
CHANDIGARH: The Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab Government's ambitious plan to acquire over 24,000 acres of land in Ludhiana for urban development meets strong opposition from Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal, despite Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's assurances of voluntary participation and fair compensation. The most ambitious land acquisition initiative of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab Government to acquire 24,311 acres across more than 30 villages in Ludhiana for the development of urban estates may face significant hurdles. A political confrontation has erupted over the project, with both the Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) declaring their opposition. They have pledged to prevent the acquisition of even an inch of land, threatening agitation if necessary. Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has emphasized that the government is not forcibly acquiring land but is instead seeking consent from landowners. Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal warned of a state-wide protest if the government does not withdraw the project. He stated that his party would resist any land acquisition, even if it required launching an agitation. He alleged that the project was designed to enable large-scale corruption by AAP leaders from Delhi, including party chief Arvind Kejriwal. Badal further demanded a ban on land sales to residents of other states and stated, 'If Punjabis cannot purchase land in Himachal Pradesh, why should Punjab allow outsiders to buy land here?' Criticizing the AAP Government, Punjab Congress president and Ludhiana MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring sent a letter to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, stating, 'Punjab is an agricultural state. We cannot afford to sacrifice green fields to cement and concrete, especially when there is no urgent requirement. You are stripping tens of thousands of farmers of their livelihoods, pushing them from prosperity to poverty. The large-scale acquisition would not only cripple the rural economy but also threaten Punjab's agricultural identity. If executed, this will turn farmers into landless labourers in urban slums. The anger among affected communities is real and growing.' He questioned the necessity of acquiring new land when many existing colonies around Ludhiana remain underdeveloped. Warring urged Mann to reconsider the proposal, saying, 'Our ancestors belong to this land and so will our children. Let's not destroy what they built.'
The Hindu
5 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.
The Print
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
‘Not acquiring land forcibly', says Mann on Punjab govt's land pooling policy
Meanwhile, Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal held a protest in Ludhiana, seeking withdrawal of the notification to acquire 24,000 acres of land adjoining the city immediately or be ready to face a 'morcha' aimed at securing the rights of the aggrieved farmers. Mann's reaction comes amid attack from opposition parties who claimed that the AAP government has proposed to acquire 24,311 acres of land in Ludhiana to develop new urban estates. Chandigarh, May 28 (PTI) Seeking to address concerns regarding Punjab's land pooling policy, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday asserted that the government is not acquiring land forcibly but is instead seeking the consent and input of farmers and land owners for sustainable urban development projects. Mann, during his 'AAP Sarkar, Aapke Dwar' programme in Patiala, said the government is not acquiring land forcibly but is instead seeking the consent of farmers and landowners. Refuting 'rumours' spread by opposition parties, Mann said, 'Some are creating baseless panic that the government plans to forcibly acquire your land. I am here today to clarify that we are not taking away anyone's land without their agreement. We are here to seek your advice, ensure your participation, and bring development to your doorstep.' Highlighting previous practices under past governments, he exposed the manner in which land acquisitions were conducted, 'Earlier, leaders like Sukhbir Badal approved plans, then shared them with their favourite few, the result was massive profiteering by a few, while farmers and common people were left to suffer. Those days are gone now. We are committed to transparency and fairness.' Explaining about the state's land pooling policy and its benefits to land owners, Mann said it is voluntary and land owners can choose whether or not to participate. 'Those who do not wish to give their land can continue using it for farming or other purposes,' he said. On the policy's benefits, he said for every acre contributed, land owners receive a residential plot of 1,000 square yards in developed urban areas and a commercial space of 200 square yards for shops or showrooms. These plots and spaces, once developed, will have significantly higher market value, he said. All development costs, including roads, drainage, electricity and water supply infrastructure, will be borne by the government, said Mann. 'For instance, if your land is worth Rs 1 crore per acre today, the developed property you receive in return will be worth Rs 3-4 crore. You can keep the property, rent it for consistent income, or sell it at your discretion,' he explained. The chief minister also addressed the rampant issue of unapproved colonies in Punjab, a legacy of poor planning and corruption under previous administrations. 'Illegal colonies mushroomed across Punjab, leaving residents without basic amenities like sewage, electricity or potable water. Builders and developers made profits and abandoned people. Our government is determined to regulate and redevelop these colonies, ensuring every resident gets access to modern facilities,' he said. Mann stressed the importance of bringing modern urban planning to rural Punjab. 'Our villages deserve the same quality of life as cities. Planned development will ensure proper sewage, parks, electricity, and clean water. This is not just about infrastructure; it's about giving our rural population the dignity they deserve,' he said. The chief minister strongly criticised opposition parties for spreading fear and misinformation. 'Half of these leaders, who now claim to stand with the people, are builders themselves. They are friends with the land mafia and were responsible for selling off Punjab's lands to their associates at throwaway prices. They fear our policies because they bring accountability and remove corruption from the system,' he said. The chief minister also cited an example of Akali leader Manpreet Ayali, highlighting his personal stake in opposing the land pooling policy. 'Ayali fears this policy because it brings transparency and accountability, which would end his deals in real estate. Such people are spreading baseless rumours to protect their own businesses, not the interests of the farmers. They thrive on chaos and corruption, but their days of exploiting Punjab's resources are over,' Mann said. He assured that all agreements under the land pooling policy would be made directly between the government and the landowners, ensuring legal protections and eliminating any chance of exploitation. PTI CHS RUK RUK This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
