CHANDIGARH: Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, a towering figure in Punjab politics and a stalwart of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), passed away on Wednesday evening at the age of 89 after a prolonged illness. He breathed his last at Fortis Hospital, Mohali. His death marks the end of a significant chapter in Punjab’s political history. He is survived by his wife, son and former Punjab finance minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa, and two daughters.
Born on April 9, 1936, in Ubhawal village of Sangrur district, Dhindsa began his political journey early, emerging as a student leader at Government Ranbir College, Sangrur. He was elected president of the student council and later became the youngest sarpanch of his village, eventually serving as a block samiti member.
His electoral debut came in 1972 when he won as an independent candidate from the Dhanaula constituency, then part of Sangrur district. Shortly afterward, he joined the SAD and in 1977 was elected as an MLA from the Sunam constituency. Over the years, Dhindsa held key ministerial positions in the Punjab government, including transport, sports, and tourism.
At the national level, Dhindsa represented Sangrur in the Lok Sabha from 2004 to 2009 and served multiple terms in the Rajya Sabha between 1998 and 2022. He was Union Minister for Sports and Chemicals from 2000 to 2004 in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government.
A four-time MLA and seasoned parliamentarian, Dhindsa’s contributions were recognized with the Padma Shri award in 2004. His passing has drawn condolences from across the political spectrum, with many remembering him as a principled leader and dedicated public servant.