Sukhbir Singh Badal
President of Shiromani Akali Dal ,Punjab
About
Sukhbir Singh Badal is a prominent Indian politician and the current youngest-ever president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). He has served as the Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab, a Member of Parliament, and a Union Minister of State for Industry. His political journey spans over a decade, marked by significant contributions and controversies.
Badal has been a staunch advocate for Sikh rights, wielding considerable influence over important Sikh organizations. Despite facing criticism and protests, notably in issues like farm laws and the Kotkapura firing case, he has navigated the complex political terrain with resilience. His family's deep-rooted involvement in businesses, ranging from real estate to transportation, adds an economic dimension to his political persona.
The multifaceted Sukhbir Singh Badal remains a pivotal figure in Punjab's politics, demonstrating a blend of strategic leadership, activism, and engagement in key issues affecting the region, making him a prominent and sometimes controversial political figure.
Personal Life
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Full Name |
Sukhbir Singh Badal |
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Designation |
President of Shiromani Akali Dal |
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Date of Birth |
July 09, 1962 (age 61 years) |
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Place of Birth |
Badal, Distt. Faridkot (Punjab) |
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Party Name |
Shiromani Akali Dal |
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Education |
-M.A. Hons. (School in Economics) from Panjab University, Chandigarh from 1980 to 1984 -MBA from California State University, Los Angeles |
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Father's Name |
Shri Parkash Singh Badal |
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Mother’s Name |
Smt. Surinder Kaur |
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Spouse’s Name |
Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal |
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Current Address |
76, Lodhi Estate, KK Birla Lane, New Delhi - 110 003 |
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Social Handles |
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X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/officeofssbadal |
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Interesting Facts
1. Educational Background: Sukhbir Singh Badal pursued his higher education in the United States, obtaining an MBA from California State University, Los Angeles, showcasing a global perspective in his academic pursuits.
2. Business Ventures: A savvy businessman, Badal and his family have diverse business interests, including ownership stakes in real estate, transport, and the Punjabi language PTC television network, reflecting his multifaceted engagement beyond politics.
3. Family Legacy: Hailing from a prominent political family, Sukhbir is the son of Parkash Singh Badal, a five-time Chief Minister of Punjab. This family legacy has played a significant role in shaping his political career.
4. Protest Against 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots: Badal has been consistently protesting against the 1984 Anti-Sikh riots, advocating for justice for the victims. This underscores his commitment to Sikh rights and justice issues.
5. Youthful Political Entry: Making his political debut at a relatively young age, Badal was elected as a Member of Parliament in 1996, showcasing his early foray into national politics.
6. Apology for Kotkapura Firing Case: In a notable move, Sukhbir Singh Badal publicly apologized to Sikhs in front of the Akal Takht for the Kotkapura firing case, a significant step in addressing controversies and rebuilding relationships within the community.
7. Active Participation in Protests: Beyond his political roles, Badal has actively participated in various protests, from addressing the farmers' concerns to opposing the construction of the Sutlej Yamuna link canal, demonstrating his hands-on approach to key issues.
8. International Exposure: His education in both India and the United States contributes to a nuanced perspective, reflecting an amalgamation of cultural and global influences in his political outlook.
Political Timeline
Sukhbir Singh Badal, born into a legacy of political service, emerged as a proactive leader known for his dynamic approach to governance. His tenure saw a range of proactive measures, such as initiating impactful development projects and fostering economic growth.
1996-1999:- Represented as the Member of Parliament, Faridkot in the 11th Lok Sabha.
1998-1999: Served as the Union Minister of State for Industry in the Second Vajpayee Ministry.
2001-2004: Served as a Member of Rajya Sabha.
2004: Re-elected to Lok Sabha: Represents Faridkot in the 14th Lok Sabha.
2008 January: Became President of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD).
2009:
- August: Sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab.
- Wins By-election: Elected from Jalalabad Assembly Constituency.
- Tourism Development: Initiates beautification work at Durgiana Mandir. Focuses on overall tourism development in Amritsar, including the Heritage Street project, Urban Haat, and Gobindgarh Fort. Allocates budgets for infrastructure, hotels, and a world-class parking facility at Attari Border.
2014: Re-elected as MP and represented Ferozepur in the 16th Lok Sabha.
2016:
- Heritage Street Inauguration: Inaugurates Heritage Street project in Amritsar, transforming the area between the Golden Temple and Town Hall.
- Other Developments: Continues to fortify Amritsar's position as a tourist hub with ongoing projects and beautification efforts.
2017: Re-elected from Jalalabad Assembly Constituency. Also, protested against the non-clearance of 4 Akali politicians to contest in the Punjab elections.
2019 May 23: Assumed office as Member of Parliament for Ferozepur in the 17th Lok Sabha.
2020-2022: Participated in and faced legal cases for protesting during the Indian farmers' protest.
2021:
- Forged an alliance with Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) for the Punjab Assembly polls.
- Highlighted the accomplishments of the previous SAD-led government in making Amritsar a tourist hub with initiatives like the Heritage Walk, Sadda Pind, and the Partition Museum.
2022: Contested in the Punjab Assembly election but faces defeat in Jalalabad constituency.
2023:
- Made a public apology for the Kotkapura firing case, aiming to reconcile with Sikhs.
- Detained over the Sutlej Yamuna link canal issue, protesting against the allocation of Punjab's water to other states.
Founded Organization
- Punjab Bureau of Investment Promotion (Invest Punjab)
Under the dynamic leadership of Sukhbir Singh Badal during his tenure as Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab, the establishment of the Invest Punjab department marked a transformative stride in facilitating investments. Launched to streamline and expedite the clearance process, Sukhbir Singh Badal empowered the department with the authority of 35 key departments. This strategic move aimed to ensure efficient and time-bound clearances within 30 days, reinforcing Punjab's commitment to fostering a conducive business environment. The Invest Punjab department, conceptualized and implemented during Sukhbir Singh Badal's reign, played a pivotal role in attracting investments and contributing to the state's economic development.
