Sangrur, May 30, 2025 – Veteran Akali leader and former Union Minister Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa was cremated today with full dignity at his native village Ubhawal in Sangrur district, Punjab. Dhindsa, aged 89, had passed away on May 28 at Fortis Hospital, Mohali, after prolonged illness.
A large number of mourners, including political leaders, supporters, and villagers, gathered to pay their last respects to the senior leader, who held a towering presence in Punjab’s political history. Leaders from various parties including BJP, Shiromani Akali Dal, and Congress were present during the cremation.
Among the dignitaries who attended were BJP MP Preneet Kaur, Shiromani Akali Dal leaders Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra and Parmjit Singh Rakha, and other key figures such as Babu Prakash Singh Garg.
Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa had a distinguished political career, having served both in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. He was a prominent minister in the Third Vajpayee Government, holding portfolios like Chemicals & Fertilizers and Sports. Known for his disciplined and principled approach, Dhindsa was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2019 for his public service. In solidarity with the farmers’ protests, he returned the award in 2020, making a strong political statement.
In his long career, Dhindsa was regarded as a stalwart of traditional Akali politics and had been the patron of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Sanyukt). He separated from the main SAD faction in 2020 after raising strong objections to party leadership and internal functioning.
Leaders across party lines have condoled his death, calling it an irreparable loss to Punjab’s socio-political landscape. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had also issued a condolence message acknowledging Dhindsa’s lifetime contribution to public life.
The late leader is survived by his wife, son—former Union Minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa—and two daughters. His last rites were performed by his son amid chants of “Waheguru” and prayers from well-wishers gathered in large numbers.
