Veteran politician and prominent Akali figure Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa passes away on Wednesday evening at the age of 89. He breathed his last at a private hospital in Mohali, where he had been admitted just two to three days earlier due to age-related health complications. His demise marks the end of a significant chapter in Punjab’s political history.
Known for his calm demeanor, political acumen, and unwavering commitment to public service, Dhindsa served in several key roles during his long and distinguished career. A stalwart of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), he represented the Sangrur constituency as a Lok Sabha Member of Parliament and was entrusted with major responsibilities in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government, serving as the Union Minister for Sports, Chemicals, and Fertilizers.
Dhindsa’s journey through politics was one of resilience and principles. In 2020, after being expelled from the Shiromani Akali Dal along with his son Parminder Singh Dhindsa—allegedly for anti-party activities—he went on to form a breakaway faction, the SAD (Sanyukt). However, in March of the previous year, he made a significant decision to return to the parent party fold, merging SAD (Sanyukt) with the Sukhbir Singh Badal-led Shiromani Akali Dal, signaling a moment of reconciliation and unity within the Akali camp.
Parminder Singh Dhindsa, a former finance minister in Punjab, had followed closely in his father’s political footsteps, often seen as a promising young leader under his guidance.
Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa once held the prestigious position of secretary general within the SAD and was widely acknowledged as the second-most influential leader in the party after the iconic Parkash Singh Badal. His voice held weight not only in the political corridors of Punjab but also in Delhi, where he made his mark as a parliamentarian.
Colleagues and political rivals alike remember Dhindsa as a leader with integrity, vision, and an unshakeable dedication to Sikh values and Punjab’s progress. As tributes pour in, the legacy he leaves behind will continue to inspire generations of political leaders in the state and beyond.