Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Punjab Chief Minister, Pratap Singh Bajwa & leaders of Sunam, Sangrur expressed grief over Dhindsa’s death.
Sunam SNPNEWS.IN Update (Gurmail Kamboj): Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa (April 9, 1936 – May 28, 2025) was a prominent Indian politician whose career, spanning over six decades, left a significant mark on Punjab politics and national governance. A stalwart of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Dhindsa’s political journey was characterized by his dedication to Sikh principles, Punjab’s rural development, and public service. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Punjab Chief Minister, Pratap Singh Bajwa & leaders of Sunam, Sangrur expressed grief over Dhindsa’s death.
● Below is a detailed overview of his political life, based on available information:
● Early Political Beginnings
Entry into Politics (1950s–1960s): Born in a Jat Sikh family in Sangrur, Punjab, Dhindsa joined the Shiromani Akali Dal, a party rooted in Sikh ideology and Punjab’s regional interests. His early political engagement focused on grassroots work, aligning with the SAD’s advocacy for Punjab’s farmers and Sikh community.
Sarpanch of Ubhawal (1960s): Dhindsa began his political career at the village level, serving as the sarpanch (village head) of Ubhawal in Sangrur. This role established his reputation as a leader connected to rural issues, particularly agriculture, which remained a cornerstone of his political identity.Rise in Punjab Politics
Four-Time MLA (1977–1992): Dhindsa was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Sunam constituency in Sangrur four times (1977, 1980, 1985, and 1992). His repeated victories underscored his strong local support and influence in Punjab’s political landscape.
Role in SAD Leadership: As a trusted ally of SAD patriarch Parkash Singh Badal, Dhindsa rose within the party ranks. His loyalty to Badal’s faction during internal party splits, notably in 1986 during the Operation Black Thunder controversy under Surjit Singh Barnala’s government, solidified his position as a key party figure.
State Ministerial Roles: During his tenure as an MLA, Dhindsa held significant portfolios in Punjab’s state government, including Agriculture, Revenue, and Rehabilitation. These roles allowed him to champion rural development, irrigation, and farmers’ welfare, aligning with SAD’s pro-agrarian agenda.
● National Political Career
Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha, 1998): Dhindsa was elected to the Lok Sabha from Sangrur in 1998, expanding his influence to national politics. His parliamentary work focused on Punjab’s interests, including agriculture, rural infrastructure, and Sikh community issues.
Union Minister (1998–1999): In the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government, Dhindsa served as the Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Sports, and Youth Affairs. His tenure emphasized policies supporting agricultural inputs and youth development, reflecting his grassroots priorities.
Rajya Sabha Member (1996–2020): Dhindsa was elected to the Rajya Sabha multiple times (1996, 2004, 2010, and 2016), serving as a voice for Punjab in the upper house. As the SAD’s floor leader in the Rajya Sabha, he played a critical role in articulating the party’s stance on national issues, including federalism, farmers’ rights, and Punjab’s water disputes (e.g., the Sutlej-Yamuna Link canal issue).
Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha (2014–2019): During the UPA government’s tenure, Dhindsa served as the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, showcasing his parliamentary acumen and ability to engage in national policy debates.
● Key Contributions and Ideology
Advocacy for Punjab and Sikh Interests: Dhindsa was a staunch advocate for Punjab’s farmers, pushing for policies on minimum support prices (MSP), irrigation, and rural infrastructure. He also championed Sikh cultural and religious issues, aligning with SAD’s Panthic roots.
Padma Bhushan Award (2019): In recognition of his contributions to public service, Dhindsa was conferred the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honor, highlighting his impact on Punjab and national politics.
Sports Development: As a former president of the Punjab Basketball Association and a member of the Indian Olympic Association, Dhindsa promoted sports, particularly in Punjab, leveraging his role as Union Sports Minister to advocate for youth engagement in athletics.
● Political Challenges and Controversies
Party Tensions (2020): In 2020, Dhindsa and his son, Parminder Singh Dhindsa, briefly rebelled against the SAD leadership under Sukhbir Singh Badal, forming the Shiromani Akali Dal (Democratic). This stemmed from disagreements over the party’s direction, particularly its handling of farmer protests and internal governance. However, Dhindsa later reconciled with the SAD, reaffirming his loyalty to the party.
Operation Black Thunder (1986): Dhindsa’s alignment with Parkash Singh Badal during the 1986 split in SAD, opposing Surjit Singh Barnala’s government over the handling of militancy in Punjab, marked a significant moment in his career, reinforcing his loyalty to Badal’s faction.
Health and Political Exit: Dhindsa resigned from the Rajya Sabha in 2020 due to health issues, marking the end of his active parliamentary career. His health continued to decline, leading to his death on May 28, 2025, at Fortis Hospital, Mohali, due to age-related complications.
Several prominent leaders expressed their condolences following the death of veteran Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former Union Minister Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, who passed away on May 28, 2025, at the age of 89 in Fortis Hospital, Mohali, due to age-related complications.
● Here are some notable reactions:
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Dhindsa as a “towering statesman with great wisdom and an unwavering commitment to public service,” emphasizing his grassroots connection with Punjab and his advocacy for rural development.
● Union Home Minister Amit Shah called Dhindsa’s passing “extremely sad,” noting his contributions to promoting Punjab’s culture, rural development, and ethos, from his role as a grassroots worker to a Union Minister.
● Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed his condolences, acknowledging Dhindsa’s stature as a senior SAD leader and former Rajya Sabha member.
● SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal said he was “deeply saddened,” highlighting Dhindsa’s lifelong dedication to serving Punjab and the nation through SAD, stating that his contributions would always be remembered.
● Congress Leader Pargat Singh shared condolences, recognizing Dhindsa’s significant role in Punjab politics. Partap Singh Bajwa, Leader of Opposition, described Dhindsa as a “towering figure in Punjab politics” who dedicated over six decades to public service, stating that his legacy would be remembered with deep respect
● Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister, expressed deep sadness, noting Dhindsa’s dedication to serving Punjab and working for the well-being of its people.
Malvinder Singh Kang expressed being “deeply saddened,” emphasizing Dhindsa’s lifelong dedication to public service and his lasting impact on Punjab’s political landscape.
● Satya Pal Nayak mourned Dhindsa’s loss, describing him as a “true statesman” whose wisdom and dedication to Punjab’s people strengthened the nation’s fabric.
These reactions reflect the widespread respect for Dhindsa’s extensive contributions to Punjab politics and his role as a Padma Bhushan awardee, former Sangrur MP, and four-time MLA.
Legacy
Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa’s political life was defined by his unwavering commitment to Punjab’s rural communities, Sikh identity, and the SAD’s ideological framework.
His journey from a village sarpanch to a Union Minister and Padma Bhushan awardee reflects his ability to bridge grassroots and national politics. Leaders across parties, including Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and Sukhbir Singh Badal, lauded his contributions upon his passing, emphasizing his role as a “towering statesman” and a dedicated public servant.
His legacy endures in Punjab’s political landscape, particularly in Sangrur, where his family, including his son Parminder, continues to carry forward his political influence.