Sukhbir re-elected SAD chief; Sukhdev Dhindsa at rebels' event

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, December 14

Sukhbir Singh Badal was re-elected president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) for the third term at a party session at Teja Singh Samundri Hall in the Golden Temple complex here today.

Party patron Parkash Singh Badal could not make it due to health reasons. Significantly, the Dhindsa family distanced itself from the election process. While Rajya Sabha MP Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa was in Amritsar, he preferred to attend a “parallel” programme at a separate venue. His son and former Akali Finance Minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa too did not turn up. 

Sukhbir clarified that Dhindsa Junior could not come because of prior commitments. “Parminder Dhindsa spoke to me three days ago and left for Mumbai after seeking my permission. However, his team is here”, he said. Veteran leader Tota Singh proposed Sukhbir’s name which was seconded and endorsed by PS Chandumajra, MP, and Jagmeet Singh Brar, respectively. Sukhbir asked party workers to prepare themselves for “Mission 2022” (Assembly elections).