Punjab's ruling family in transition mode-Sukhbir gets ready to step into father's shoes

By Satinder Bains

CHANDIGARH: Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab Sukhbir Singh Badal seems to be a man in hurry to step into the shoes of his father,  Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal. At 48, Sukhbir represent the modern face of Shiromani Akali Dal(SAD), a traditional party representing Sikhs  particularly the rural communities.

He was sworn in Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab on January 21, 2009 and after almost one and a half year, he is expected to occupy the top post,anytime now. He is virtually acting as proxy Chief Minister in the absence of his father.

The fingers are now crossed over the timing of coronation of Sukhbir Singh Badal,  as next Chief Minister of the state. The ground is prepared for smooth transition of succession to the junior Badal. Presently both father and son are out of India to stay with Mrs. Chief Minister-Surinder Kaur Badal-who is suffering from cancer and ade\mitted in a hospital in New York in USA.

Parkash Singh Badal who became the Chief Minister of state fourth time in 2007 is keen to hand over the command of government to his son before the end of his present term. The advisors to the Chief Minister understood to have impressed upon Badal to change the guard by the end of 2010. The next assembly election in Punjab is due in February 2012. The logic is the change will eliminate anti-incumbency factor.

According to party insiders, it is part of SAD strategy to return to power in 2012. The preparation to build Sukhbir Badal as the sole successor of his father's legacy in the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) began almost three years back, his father gradually passing on power step by step. Sukhbir was credited with Akali Dal's victory in 2007 assembly elections and he was hailed at all political platform bringing new techniques of canvassing and enrolling youth into the party fold.

To reward his achievements and strengthen his hands in the party, Badal surrendered post of SAD president to Sukhbir Badal bypassing the senior party leaders. He became youngest president of 85 year old party on January 31, 2008. In the last Parliament elections, Sukhbir was made chairman of the Parliamentary board and he was authorised to give party tickets. He was also authorised to decide name for the President ship of Shiromani Gurdawara Parbhandak Committee.

Sukhbir Badal was given all important assignments in the party to ensure that he does not have any difficulty in succeeding his father and avoid any criticism of his interference in the party and government affairs. Initially BJP, the alliance partner of SAD was critical of Sukhbir's interference but Badal's good relations with BJP national leaders shut the mouth of local leaders.

Political observers said Badal has adjusted the kins of all senior party leaders before handing over party's command to his son. Parminder Singh Dhindsa, son of senior party leader, former union minister
and Rajya Sabha MP Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa was taken cabinet minister and Jasjit Singh Bunny son of former minister late Captain Kanwaljit Singh was made Chairman of Punjab cooperative bank. Captain Kanwaljit Singh was the only voice of dissent in the party but he died in a road accident last year.

Badals are taking good care of its ruling partner BJP and its senior most minister Manoranjan Kalia is being pampered to win over him. Recently, on spree to laying foundations tones, Sukhbir didn't forget to carry along Kalia to all functions.

Much before the emergence of present scenario, Badal's nephew Manpreet Singh Badal and son-in-law Adesh Partap Singh Kairon were made cabinet ministers who are otherwise competent to occupy any important office.

Sukhbir Badal is B.A. (Hons.) Economics, M.A. (Economics) From Punjab University at Chandigarh and M.B.A from U.S.A. was Member of Parliament twice and former minister of state in the Vajpayee government. Unfortunately being parliamentarian and minister he was not able to raise any issues related to Punjab. His wife Harsimrat Kaur member parliament from Bathinda is performing better than her hubby. She is considered strength of Sukhbir in over coming short comings in him.

Sukhbir Badal was instrumental in organizing four nation Hockey tournament and World cup Kabaddi recently in a bid to make inroads into his traditional rural constituency and get youth along the party.

Sukhbir Badal boasts,” We will stay in power for at least next 25 years". He bases his assertions on development model he presented in the state. This he is claiming despite the fact that that some of high profile projects like super express highway, metro rail in Ludhiana never took off.

Would Akalis return to power  in next term is anybody's guess. But the elevation of Sukhbir to the top post is no more a guessing game. Soon he will not be ‘defacto Chief Minister’, as his critics love to call him.