Senior SAD leader and former Union minister Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa dies at 89

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, 2010 to 2022 and 2016 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.

The Akali stalwart was conferred the Padma Bhushan in 2019, which he announced to return in solidarity with farmers who were protesting against the now-repealed three farm laws in 2020.

Dhindsa had parted ways with Sukhbir Singh Badal-led Shiromani Akali Dal long back and was with the SAD’s rebel faction later.

In September 2018, he resigned from all SAD posts. He and his son Parminder were expelled from the SAD in February 2020.

In July 2020, Dhindsa floated the SAD Sanyukt, which contested the 2022 Assembly polls in alliance with former chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh’s Punjab Lok Congress and the BJP but failed to win any seat. In March 2024, Dhindsa merged his party with the SAD, but he was upset with the Badal-led party as it did not field Parminder in the Lok Sabha polls.

In July 2024, Dhindsa was named as patron of the SAD’s rebel faction, the Akali Dal Sudhar Lehar. Eventually he was expelled yet again from the SAD. On December 2, 2024, when the Akal Takht pronounced its punishment for Badal for “mistakes” made by the party during 2007-2017, Dhindsa was also given the religious punishment as he too was part of the SAD-BJP government. In 2020, when farmers were protesting against three central farm laws, Dhindsa said he would return his Padma Shri in support of them.

Condolences pour in

Expressing condolences, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann wrote on X, “Received the news of the demise of senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader and former Rajya Sabha member Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa Ji… No doubt we had political differences, but on humanitarian grounds, I extend my condolences to the family… May the Almighty grant him a place at His lotus feet and give strength to the family to accept His will.”

SAD president Badal said, “Deeply saddened by the passing away of Sardar Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa Sahib. Dhindsa Sahib dedicated a long part of his life to serving Punjab and the nation through the Shiromani Akali Dal, and his contributions will always be remembered. On behalf of myself and the Shiromani Akali Dal, I pay my heartfelt tribute and respects to him. I pray to the Almighty to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family to accept His will.”

SAD spokesperson Daljeet Singh Cheema wrote on X, “Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of Punjab’s towering political figure, former Union Cabinet Minister and senior patron of Shiromani Akali Dal, Sardar Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa Ji. He was a dedicated, experienced, and visionary leader. His passing is a great loss to both Punjab and the nation.May Waheguru grant eternal peace to Dhindsa Sahib’s soul and give strength to the family to bear this irreparable loss.”

Captain Amarinder Singh, now with the BJP, said, “Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of S. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa Ji – 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.”

State BJP president Sunil Jakhar said, “Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of veteran Akali leader Sardar Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa Ji. He always practiced principled politics. With his demise, Punjab has lost a leader who consistently fought for the interests of the state. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and pray to Waheguru to grant him eternal peace in His divine presence.”

Charanjit Singh Brar, a senior SAD leader from the rebel faction, said, “We have lost a political stalwart…he was an institution in himself. My Waheguru gives him eternal peace.”

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