Who is Dinesh Singh 'Babbu'? BJP's new face for Gurdaspur, replacing Sunny Deol

PTC News Desk: In a recent announcement by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), significant changes have been made regarding certain constituencies in Punjab. Among these alterations, one that has captured considerable attention is the decision regarding the prestigious Gurdaspur seat. Notably, actor Sunny Deol will not be contesting from this constituency. Instead, the BJP has nominated Dinesh Singh Babbu as their candidate for the upcoming elections.

The Gurdaspur constituency has historically been a focal point of political discourse, owing to its significance in Punjab's political landscape. However, the apparent lack of activity and engagement from the incumbent Member of Parliament, Sunny Deol, has drawn widespread attention. This move by the BJP to replace Deol with Dinesh Singh Babbu underscores a strategic shift in their electoral strategy for Gurdaspur.

Dinesh Singh Babbu's emergence as the BJP's candidate for Gurdaspur reflects a calculated decision by the party to rejuvenate their prospects in the constituency. With a notable figure like Sunny Deol stepping aside, Babbu now steps into the spotlight, tasked with representing the BJP's interests in a constituency known for its political significance.

As the electoral landscape continues to evolve in Punjab, the choice of Dinesh Singh Babbu as the BJP's candidate for Gurdaspur signals a new chapter in the region's political narrative. It remains to be seen how this decision will influence the dynamics of the upcoming elections and the future trajectory of Gurdaspur's representation in Parliament.

Sunny Deol faces criticism over absence and Parliamentary attendance

Sunny Deol's tenure as the Member of Parliament for Gurdaspur has been marred by criticism over his perceived neglect of his constituency and low attendance in the Lok Sabha sessions. In December of the preceding year, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal lambasted Deol, accusing him of failing to fulfill his duties to the constituents since his electoral victory in 2019. Kejriwal's remarks highlighted a prevalent sentiment among the electorate regarding Deol's perceived lack of tangible contributions to Gurdaspur's development.

Furthermore, Deol's parliamentary attendance record has come under scrutiny, with reports indicating a pattern of absenteeism during crucial legislative sessions. Notably, he was conspicuously absent during the entire duration of the Parliament's monsoon session the previous year, raising questions about his commitment to representing the interests of Gurdaspur's residents on the national stage.

Despite his sparse presence in parliamentary proceedings, Deol remained active on social media platforms, expressing solidarity with the government's stance during contentious issues such as the farmers' protest against the repealed agrarian laws. However, his online engagements failed to assuage concerns regarding his effectiveness as a parliamentarian and his dedication to addressing the concerns of his constituents.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Sunny Deol secured victory by a significant margin, defeating Sunil Jakhar, who was then a candidate of the Congress party and currently serves as the President of the BJP's Punjab unit. However, his subsequent tenure has been marked by criticism and scrutiny, prompting the BJP's decision to nominate Dinesh Singh 'Babbu' as his replacement in the upcoming elections.

Three-time MLA 

Thakur Dinesh Singh, popularly known as Babbu, is a prominent figure in the political landscape of Gurdaspur. A resident of the region, he has established deep roots within the community and has been an integral part of the Punjab BJP for an extensive period. Notably, Babbu boasts an impressive track record as a three-time Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), reflecting his enduring commitment to public service and his constituents.

Having represented the Sujanpur constituency in the past, Babbu's political journey has been marked by significant achievements and contributions to the development of Punjab. His tenure as the former Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Legislative Assembly further underscores his stature within the political sphere, highlighting his ability to navigate complex legislative matters and uphold democratic principles.

As a seasoned politician with a wealth of experience, Babbu brings a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of the people of Gurdaspur. His continued dedication to serving the public and his unwavering commitment to the values of the BJP make him a formidable candidate for representing the constituency and advancing the interests of its residents on a broader platform.

Rajput Barsawal family 

Thakur Dinesh Singh Babbu hails from the esteemed Suryavanshi Rajput Barsawal family, renowned for its rich heritage and noble lineage. His ancestral roots trace back to the illustrious Barsawal/ Barsal lineage, symbolising a legacy of honour and tradition deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of the region.

Within this esteemed lineage, Babbu's grandfather, the esteemed Chaudhary Dharm Singh, held the prestigious position of former numberdar in the revered Manawal village. His grandfather's legacy serves as a testament to the family's enduring commitment to community leadership and public service, laying the foundation for Babbu's own journey in politics and public affairs.

A crucial element

Dinesh Singh Babbu's affiliation with the Rajput community serves as a pivotal factor in the electoral dynamics of the Gurdaspur parliamentary constituency. With an estimated 13 lakh voters in the constituency, a significant portion—more than three lakh—identify themselves as members of the Rajput community. Babbu's own background and identity within this community position him favourably to garner support from fellow Rajput voters.

This demographic advantage underscores his potential to rally substantial backing from a significant segment of the electorate, potentially shaping the outcome of the elections in his favour.

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Early Beginnings

Dinesh Singh embarked on his political journey in 1995, initially serving as a grassroots worker for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His dedication and commitment to the party's ideals eventually led to him being nominated as a candidate from the Sujanpur constituency for the first time in 2007.

Babbu's entry into electoral politics proved to be successful, as he secured victory and was elected as a legislator from the Sujanpur constituency in consecutive elections held in 2007, 2012, and 2017. This remarkable feat not only showcased his popularity among voters but also demonstrated his ability to effectively represent their interests and concerns over multiple terms.

Furthermore, Babbu's political acumen and leadership qualities were duly recognised within the party ranks, culminating in his appointment as the Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Legislative Assembly since March 20, 2012. This prestigious role affirmed his standing as a respected figure within the political landscape of Punjab, solidifying his position as a formidable leader with a proven track record of service and dedication to public welfare.

Career setback

In a significant turn of events, Dinesh Singh faced a setback in his political career in 2022 when he lost the election from the Sujanpur constituency to the Congress candidate, Naresh Puri. This electoral defeat marked the first instance of adversity for Babbu, prompting him to reevaluate his strategies and approach towards future endeavors.

Despite this setback, Babbu's commitment to public service and his resolve to contribute to the betterment of society remained unwavering. Prior to his electoral defeat, he had also served as the General Secretary of the All India Student Council in Pathankot, showcasing his active involvement in student politics and his dedication to grassroots organisational work.

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(Inputs from agencies)

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