Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa no more: Political leaders across parties pay tribute to veteran Akali leader
Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa death news: Veteran Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa passed away on Wednesday at Fortis Hospital, where he had been undergoing treatment for a prolonged period. He was reportedly battling a lung disease for an extended time and had been in and out of medical care in recent months.
Sources close to the family confirmed that Dhindsa took his last breath this morning at the hospital, marking the end of an era in Punjab’s political landscape.
Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, a prominent Shiromani Akali Dal leader and former Lok Sabha MP from Sangrur, served as the Union Minister for Sports, Chemicals, and Fertilisers in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government. His political career spanned several decades, during which he held key positions, including that of secretary general in the SAD, where he was widely seen as the second-most influential leader after Parkash Singh Badal.
His son, Parminder Singh Dhindsa, also played a significant role in Punjab politics, having served as the Finance Minister in the previous Akali government. In March last year, Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa merged his breakaway faction, SAD (Sanyukt), back with the Sukhbir Singh Badal-led Shiromani Akali Dal. The reunion came nearly four years after Dhindsa and his son were expelled from the party in February 2020 for alleged anti-party activities. Following their expulsion, the father-son duo had launched the SAD (Sanyukt) as a separate entity.
Tributes pour in
'Heartfelt tributes to Sardar Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa Ji, a pioneer in Punjab politics and a very senior statesman. His lifelong dedication to public service and Sikh values will forever inspire generations. My condolences to his family and followers,' said Ravneet Singh Bittu.
"Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of S. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa Ji. May Waheguru grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family and supporters to bear this loss," said Bikram Singh Majithia.
"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," Captain Amarinder Singh.
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Sardar Sukhdev Singh Ji Dhindsa. He dedicated a significant part of his life to serving Punjab and the nation through his long association with the Shiromani Akali Dal, and his contributions will always be remembered. On behalf of the Shiromani Akali Dal and in my personal capacity, I offer my heartfelt tributes and respects to him," Sukhbir Singh Badal.
"Deeply saddened to hear about the demise of veteran Akali leader Sardar Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa Ji. He always upheld the values of principled politics. With his passing, Punjab has lost a leader who consistently fought for the interests of the state. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and pray for peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family," Sunil Jakhar
- PTC NEWS
