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Indian Express
2 days 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he said he would return his Padma Bhushan award in solidarity with farmers who were then protesting against the now-repealed central farm laws.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.
Hindustan Times
3 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.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Sukhbir leads SAD protest against Ludhiana land pooling scheme
Ludhiana: Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday led a protest against AAP govt in Punjab over a land pooling scheme recently notified by the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA). Under the scheme, govt plans to aquire around 24,000 acres of farmland in more than 40 villages around Ludhiana. Sukhbir vowed to prioritise Punjabi youth when giving govt jobs and ensure that only Punjabis bought farmland in Punjab. Addressing party leaders and workers who participated in the protest on Ferozepur Road outside the GLADA office, Sukhbir said, "Other states like Himachal, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan do not allow any outsider to get govt jobs and purchase land in their states, so why should Punjab not give priority to its own people?" He added even foreign countries were not allowing Punjabis entry into their states, so there was a need to create opportunities for Punjabi youngsters. Sukhbir said only a regional party could understand the pain of its people, while others like AAP, Congress and BJP only wanted to exploit its resources. He said it was only during the tenure of former CM Parkash Singh Badal that land acquired for SYL was de-notified and returned to farmers. "Every time Punjab has suffered the maximum loss, whether during the Independence war, or any other war with Pakistan or China. During this recent war with Pakistan, too, there were attacks in Punjab. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo When we sacrifice for this country, why should we not get returns too?" he said. Badal said pooling scheme had been brought in by AAP just to "mint money". "But it will impact farmers who will not be able to earn their livelihood. The SAD will not let even a single inch of land be acquired for this scheme," he added. Sukhbir urged people to identify those who were fighting for their interests and thsoe who were against them. He added if electors in Punjab could give 92 seats to AAP, they could also elect 100 Akali MLAs in the next assembly elections. In the end, Badal also advised the bureaucracy not to become a puppet in the hands of AAP govt. "When voters reject AAP in the 2027 assembly elections, action will be taken against officials who committed wrongs over these five years," he added.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Shiromani Akali Dal protests against Punjab's land pooling scheme in Ludhiana and plans strategy for 2027 assembly elections.
Ludhiana: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday led a high-pitched protest against the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) land-pooling scheme, vowing to block any attempt by the govt to acquire farmland. Framed as a battle to "save Punjab", the protest also served as a political curtain-raiser to the 2027 assembly elections — even as signs of disorganisation and internal friction simmered beneath the surface. Addressing the protesters outside the office of Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (Glada), Sukhbir accused the AAP govt of conspiring to "rob farmers of their land to fill its coffers". He warned the govt that the agitation would spread to other cities unless it scrapped the scheme. "We will not let them take even an inch," Sukhbir declared, adding that the SAD was committed to defending Punjab's agricultural interests. The accompanying farmer unionists echoed the sentiment, warning of long-term economic damage. "The land-pooling scheme is a fraud dressed as development," claimed farmer unionist Sukhpal Singh. "The land will be devalued, and our children will suffer." SAD youth leader Jaskaran Singh Ayali Kalan said the land acquisition was not as "voluntary" as the govt claimed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Here's The Estimated Cost for a 1-day Gutter Guards Installation HomeBuddy Undo "The entire parcel is being notified for acquisition, even for those who don't opt in," he said. Senior SAD members Balwinder Singh Bhundar and Ranjit Singh Dhillon called for unity among Punjabis, likening the current movement to past protests against alleged scams under previous govts. They also signalled a readiness to launch sustained demonstrations if needed. The protest saw participation from a broad lineup of SAD bigwigs including Daljit Singh Cheema, Maheshinder Singh Grewal, Hira Singh Gabria, and others. However, local organisers failed to match the enthusiasm from the central leadership fully. District SAD chief Bhupinder Singh Bhinda arrived late, and local members reportedly jostled for stage presence, prompting Cheema to warn that the stage could collapse under the crowd. Tensions in Dakha: SAD eyes Ayali alternative Following the protest, Sukhbir Badal visited the Dakha constituency, where he reportedly began scouting for an alternative to incumbent MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali. The move comes amid rising tensions between the two Akali leaders. Despite being defeated by AAP's H S Phoolka in 2017, Ayali reclaimed his seat in the 2019 byelection and remains a dominant figure in the region — posing a political challenge for SAD's leadership heading into 2027. BJP worker's symbolic protest In a parallel protest, BJP member Jai Parkash Jain, also known as Titu Bania, staged a symbolic demonstration outside the Glada office. Holding a lock and key, he threatened to "lock" the office for pushing a policy he claimed would destroy Punjab's farmland and hurt farmers. While SAD aims to reclaim lost ground with aggressive opposition to land reforms, Wednesday's protest revealed both its potential and its pitfalls — energised leadership at the top, but a fractured and uncoordinated base below. MSID:: 121464577 413 |
Hindustan Times
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Rahul's apology for 1984 riots ‘hypocritical and meaningless', says Sukhbir
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Monday termed leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi's apology over the 1984 Sikh riots as 'hypocritical and meaningless words.' Responding to a question on the 1984 riots and the Congress' relationship with the Sikh community, Rahul, during an event in the US, had said a lot of the 'mistakes' the party committed happened when he was not there but added that he was 'more than happy' to take responsibility for everything wrong it did in its history. The remarks by Gandhi were made on April 21 during an interactive session at the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs at Brown University in the US. The video of the interaction was uploaded on the YouTube channel of the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs on Saturday. Reacting sharply to Rahul's response, Sukhbir said that the reported words of the Congress leader flew in the face of his insensitive conduct towards the Sikh sentiments. 'Rahul must first answer the fundamental questions. Why does the Congress still continue not only to shield but also to reward killers of thousands of innocent Sikhs with plum posts in the party? Is he really not aware of who is responsible for the genocide against our community in 1984? Sukhbir said. Referring to Rahul's claim that he was a minor when his party and his ancestors perpetrated these crimes against the Sikhs, the SAD president said, 'True, he was a minor then. But he is 55 now. Why has it taken him all these 35 years just to start talking about his predecessors' and his colleagues' sins against Sikhs?' Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal also condemned Rahul for refusing to offer an unequivocal apology to the Sikhs.
