Veteran Akali Leader and Former Union Minister Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa Passes Away at 89

Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, a senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former Union Minister, died on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the age of 89.

He breathed his last at a private hospital in Mohali, where he had been admitted in critical condition a day earlier.

The hospital confirmed that Dhindsa succumbed to cardiac arrhythmia and arrest, following complications from severe pneumonia and other age-related health issues.

He is survived by his wife, son, and two daughters.

A Lifelong Journey in Public Service

Dhindsa’s political roots trace back to his student days at Government Ranbir College, where he began as a student leader.

Born on April 9, 1936, in Ubhawal village, Sangrur district, he went on to become the village sarpanch after completing his education. In 1972, he entered the Punjab Assembly from the Dhanaula seat as an Independent and later served as an MLA from both Sunam and Sangrur constituencies.

In 2004, Dhindsa was elected to the Lok Sabha from Sangrur and served as Union Minister for Sports, Chemicals, and Fertilizers under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

He had earlier held two terms in the Rajya Sabha, from 1998 to 2004 and again from 2010 to 2022.

Recognition and Protest

In 2019, Dhindsa was awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honours.

However, in a significant gesture of solidarity with the farmers protesting against the now-repealed farm laws, he later announced his decision to return the award.

Rift Within the Party

Dhindsa, long considered one of the most senior leaders after Parkash Singh Badal in the Akali Dal, experienced growing differences with the party leadership.

Disillusioned by what he perceived as the marginalisation of veteran leaders, Dhindsa resigned from all party positions in 2018. He cited concerns over the treatment of ‘taksali’ (traditional) leaders.

In 2020, he launched his own political outfit, Shiromani Akali Dal (Democrat), and was soon joined by another expelled SAD leader, Ranjit Singh Brahmpura.

Together, they formed Shiromani Akali Dal (Sanyukt) in 2021, with Dhindsa as president and Brahmpura as patron. The party contested the 2022 Punjab Assembly polls in alliance with the BJP.

Temporary Reconciliation and Final Exit

Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Dhindsa merged his outfit with the Sukhbir Singh Badal-led Shiromani Akali Dal in March.

Talks of a merger had begun in late 2023 after Sukhbir apologised for sacrilege incidents that took place during the Akali rule in 2015. Dhindsa said the merger aimed at promoting unity within the Panth.

However, the truce was short-lived. In August 2024, Dhindsa was once again expelled from the party’s primary membership on charges of engaging in “anti-party activities.”

Alongside him, several other leaders including Prem Singh Chandumajra, Bibi Jagir Kaur, and his son Parminder Singh Dhindsa were also expelled. These leaders went on to form the ‘Shiromani Akali Dal Sudhar Lehar,’ aimed at reforming and strengthening the historic party.

Religious Repercussions

On December 2, 2024, Dhindsa, along with other senior SAD leaders including Sukhbir Badal, faced ‘tankhah’ (religious punishment) from the Akal Takht for the “mistakes” attributed to the party’s functioning between 2007 and 2017 during its governance in Punjab.

A Nation Mourns

The news of Dhindsa’s passing prompted an outpouring of grief from leaders across party lines.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described him as “a towering statesman with great wisdom and an unwavering commitment to public service,” noting his deep connection with Punjab’s people and culture.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann conveyed his condolences, commending Dhindsa’s tireless service to the people. SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal expressed sadness, remembering Dhindsa’s long service to Punjab and the party.

Former Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh called him “a dignified leader who served Punjab with integrity and dedication,” while Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa praised Dhindsa for dedicating over six decades to public life.

Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring highlighted Dhindsa’s immense contributions to state and national politics, remarking that his absence has created a void that will be hard to fill.

Former minister Manpreet Singh Badal, who started his political career under Dhindsa’s mentorship, remembered him as a grassroots leader whose wisdom and dedication would continue to inspire future generations.

BJP’s national general secretary Tarun Chugh also paid tribute, calling Dhindsa a visionary leader and experienced parliamentarian who lived a life devoted to public service.