Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Call for Akali unity echoes at final prayers for Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa as leaders unite to honour his legacy; Watch Video
Babushahi Bureau
Sangrur (Punjab), June 8, 2025 –The final prayer and Bhog ceremony of veteran Akali stalwart and former Union Minister Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa was held today at Gurdwara Sri Nankiana Sahib in Sangrur. Despite the scorching heat, an extraordinary and emotional gathering of political, religious, and social leaders transcended party lines to pay tribute to the departed leader.
What began as a ceremony of remembrance soon turned into a compelling call for Panthic and Akali unity, echoing the late leader’s final wish. The ceremony was marked by an overwhelming presence of dignitaries from across the political spectrum.
Among the prominent faces were Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Cabinet Ministers Aman Arora and Gurmeet Singh Khudian, AAP Member of Parliament Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, and MLA Narinder Kaur Bharaj.Representing the Congress was Leader of Opposition Pratap Singh Bajwa, who praised Dhindsa’s humility and contribution to Punjab’s polity.
From the BJP, Punjab state president Sunil Jakhar and Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri joined the ceremony, while BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh conveyed condolence messages from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP President J.P. Nadda, marking the national-level respect Dhindsa commanded.
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Former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal offered an emotional tribute, recalling Dhindsa's decades-long bond with the late Parkash Singh Badal, highlighting their final meeting and mutual commitment to the Akali cause.
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami also paid his respects, thanking the congregation on behalf of the Panth and echoing the call for unity among Akali factions.
Farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal, known for his role in the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, initiated the discussion on the urgent need for Akali unity, calling Dhindsa's wish a moral imperative.
This sentiment was shared by Taksal chief Harnam Singh Khalsa, MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali, and former MLA Gurpartap Singh Wadala, all of whom emphasized Dhindsa’s life as a lesson in discipline, dignity, and service to the Sikh cause.
Veteran journalist and Ajit newspaper editor-in-chief Barjinder Singh Hamdard called Dhindsa's passing a personal loss, lauding his spiritual, political, and intellectual legacy. CPI(M) State Secretary Sukhwinder Singh Sekhon, delegation leaders Hardev Singh Arshi and Bant Singh Brar were also present.
Former Rajya Sabha MP and ex-Chairman of the National Minorities Commission Tarlochan Singh highlighted Dhindsa’s contributions in the field of sports and governance, remembering his tenure as Union Sports Minister, President of the Punjab Olympic Association, and President of the Cycling Federation of India.
He recounted that Dhindsa, once elected as an Independent MLA, chose not to accept a ministerial post in Giani Zail Singh’s Congress government, choosing instead to remain loyal to the Akali fold.
Cabinet Minister Aman Arora, speaking on behalf of the Punjab Government and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, called Dhindsa a people’s leader who rose above party lines and served society with humility.
He shared that AAP’s national convener Arvind Kejriwal also paid rich tributes to the departed soul. Arora described Dhindsa as a guide whose simplicity and service left a permanent imprint on Punjab’s political culture.Towards the conclusion, Parminder Singh Dhindsa, former Punjab Finance Minister and son of the late leader, addressed the gathering with visible emotion.
He expressed heartfelt thanks to all attendees and recalled his father’s unwavering commitment to principles, Panthic values, and his deep associations with stalwarts like Sant Harchand Singh Longowal and Parkash Singh Badal. He poignantly remembered each member of his father’s staff, emphasizing the loyalty and human connection his father maintained until the end.
The event was seamlessly conducted under the stage moderation of former minister and ex-MP Prof. Prem Singh Chandumajra, who has been closely associated with Dhindsa's political journey.
The Shiromani Committee, Damdami Taksal, and Akali Dal Reform Movement presented a ceremonial turban to Parminder Singh Dhindsa as a gesture of Panthic solidarity.
As the community bid farewell to Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa — described by many as a beacon of integrity who left this world wrapped in an unblemished white sheet — the collective voice from Sangrur was unmistakable: it is time for Akali unity, for the sake of Punjab, the Panth, and the future.