Senior SAD leader and former Union minister Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa dies at 89
Sunam, SNPNEWS.IN: Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa (born April 9, 1936 – died May 28, 2025) was a prominent Indian politician from Punjab, associated with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). He served as a member of the Rajya Sabha multiple times (1998–2004, 2010–2022) and represented the Sangrur constituency in the 14th Lok Sabha (2004–2009).
He was Union Minister for Sports and Chemicals and Fertilizers in the Third Vajpayee Ministry (2000–2004). Dhindsa was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2019 but returned it in 2020 during the farmer protests. His political career began as a student leader, and he held various roles, including Sarpanch, MLA from Sunam and Sangrur, and Punjab’s Minister of State for Transport, Sports, Tourism, Cultural Affairs, and Civil Aviation.
He led the Shiromani Akali Dal (Sanyukt) after forming it through a merger of dissident Akali factions but rejoined SAD in March 2024. He was expelled from SAD in August 2024 for alleged anti-party activities. His son, Parminder Singh Dhindsa, served as Punjab’s Finance Minister (2012–2017). Dhindsa passed away at 89 in a Mohali hospital, with tributes highlighting his six-decade contribution to Punjab and Indian politics.
Sukhdev Singh achivments
Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa’s notable achievements include:
● Political Career: Represented Punjab in the Rajya Sabha (1998–2004, 2010–2022) and Sangrur in the 14th Lok Sabha (2004–2009). Served as Union Minister for Sports and Chemicals and Fertilizers (2000–2004) under the Third Vajpayee Ministry.State Leadership: Held positions as Punjab’s Minister of State for Transport, Sports, Tourism, Cultural Affairs, and Civil Aviation. Elected MLA from Sunam (1977–1980) and Sangrur (1980–1985, 1997–2002).
● Local Governance: Served as Sarpanch of Ubhawal village, showcasing grassroots leadership.
● Party Leadership: Led Shiromani Akali Dal (Sanyukt) after merging dissident Akali factions in 2021, before rejoining SAD in 2024.
● Awards: Conferred the Padma Bhushan in 2019 for public service, though he returned it in 2020 in solidarity with farmer protests.
● Sports Advocacy: As a former international-level skeet shooter and president of the Punjab Olympic Association, he promoted sports development in Punjab and India.
● Longevity in Politics: Contributed over six decades to Punjab and Indian politics, earning recognition as a respected Akali leader.
Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa’s decision to return his Padma Bhushan award in 2020 was a significant act of solidarity with the Indian farmers’ protests against three controversial farm laws passed in September 2020.
Life story-: Jathedar Gurbachan Singh Lakhmirwala,
These protests, primarily led by farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, had a profound impact on India’s political, economic, and social landscape.