Political Career of Sukhpal Singh Khaira: Biography, Contact Number, Position Held, Education, Family

Sukhpal Singh Khaira, born on January 13, 1965, is a prominent Indian politician currently serving as an Indian National Congress MLA from the Bholath constituency, marking his third consecutive term. Notably, he held the position of Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Legislative Assembly from July 2017 to July 2018, showcasing his influential role in state politics. Furthermore, since July 2022, he has been the esteemed Chairman of the All India Kisan Congress, championing the rights and welfare of farmers across the nation.

Khaira’s journey into politics commenced with his affiliation with the Youth Congress, where he quickly rose through the ranks. In 1997, he assumed the role of Vice-President of the Punjab Youth Congress, demonstrating his early leadership capabilities. His political lineage traces back to his father, Sukhjinder Singh Khaira, a revered figure in Akali politics, whose legacy Sukhpal Singh Khaira continues to uphold. Currently, he also holds the esteemed position of National Chairman of the Kisan and Khet Mazdoor Congress, further solidifying his commitment to agricultural issues.

Beyond his political endeavors, Sukhpal Singh Khaira’s personal life reflects a grounding in education and family values. He received his schooling from the prestigious Bishop Cotton School in Shimla, laying a strong foundation for his future pursuits.

Khaira’s political career is marked by a series of notable achievements and responsibilities. He entered public service as a member of the panchayat from Ramgarh village in Kapurthala district in 1994, showcasing his grassroots connection. Over the years, he ascended through various roles within the Congress organization, including serving as Secretary of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee in 1999 and later assuming the presidency of Kapurthala district’s Congress committee from 2005 to 2010. Additionally, he held the position of Director of the Central Cooperative Bank in Kapurthala in 2006, illustrating his multifaceted engagement in both party politics and governance.

Sukhpal Singh Khaira’s trajectory in politics underscores his unwavering dedication to public service, his firm commitment to agricultural issues, and his adept leadership in navigating Punjab’s political landscape.

Sukhpal Singh Khaira’s political journey has been marked by a series of transitions and alliances, reflecting his dynamic engagement in Punjab’s political landscape.

He first entered the legislative arena in 2007, securing a seat as a Member of the Legislative Assembly from the Bholath constituency under the Congress party banner, after unsuccessful attempts in 1997 and 2002. During his tenure, he also served as the Punjab Congress Spokesperson, taking on the role in 2009 and being reappointed in 2013. However, in 2014, he resigned from this position, assuming moral responsibility for the party’s underwhelming performance in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections in the state.

Subsequently, on December 25, Khaira announced his departure from the Congress party, aligning himself with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). In 2017, he clinched victory in the Bholath constituency once again, this time representing the AAP. However, his tenure with the party was short-lived as he was suspended in 2018 due to alleged anti-party activities. Undeterred, Khaira went on to form the Punjab Democratic Alliance and, in January 2019, he formally exited the AAP, founding his own political entity, the Punjab Ekta Party.

Continuing his political pursuits, Khaira contested the Bathinda parliamentary constituency under the banner of the Punjab Democratic Alliance in March 2019. Despite these efforts, he faced defeat in the Lok Sabha elections held in May 2019. Shortly thereafter, on April 25, 2019, he resigned from the Punjab Legislative Assembly.

However, Khaira’s political journey took another turn in 2022 when he secured victory once again in the Bholath constituency, this time as a candidate of the Indian National Congress. This marked his third term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly, showcasing his enduring relevance in Punjab politics.

In a significant development, in July 2022, Khaira was appointed as the Chairman of the All India Kisan Congress, underscoring his steadfast advocacy for the rights and welfare of farmers on a national scale. Through his various political affiliations and roles, Sukhpal Singh Khaira continues to wield influence and shape the political discourse in Punjab and beyond.

Political Career of Sukhpal Singh Khaira

Sukhpal Singh Khaira has been involved in several controversies throughout his political career:

1. Alleged Attempt to Join AAP: Khaira admitted to meeting Arvind Kejriwal, the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), in early 2015. Media reports suggested that the meeting was aimed at his potential entry into AAP Punjab. However, prominent leaders within AAP Punjab reportedly opposed Khaira’s inclusion into the party, leading to his unsuccessful bid to join AAP.
2. Removal as Leader of Opposition: In 2018, Khaira faced removal from the position of Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab assembly due to internal issues within the party. The exact nature of these problems was not specified in the provided information.
3. Allegations of Protecting Heroin Smuggler: Khaira was accused of attempting to shield trans-border heroin smuggler Gurdev Singh. Khaira vehemently denied these allegations and invited an inquiry into the matter to clear his name.
4. Falsely Registered Cases: In April 2018, a panel led by Justice Mehtab Singh Gill, constituted by the government, concluded that all 17 cases against Sukhpal Singh Khaira were falsely registered. The panel called for action against the police officers involved in registering these cases, implying potential political motives behind the allegations against Khaira.

These controversies have contributed to the scrutiny and challenges faced by Sukhpal Singh Khaira in his political career.

Political Rating of Sukhpal Singh

1. Transparency:
   Sukhpal Singh Khaira’s admission to meeting Arvind Kejriwal and the subsequent reports regarding his attempted entry into AAP Punjab demonstrate a level of transparency in his political dealings. However, the circumstances surrounding his removal as Leader of the Opposition and the allegations of protecting a heroin smuggler may raise questions about transparency. Rating: 3/5
2. Integrity:
   Allegations of attempting to shield a heroin smuggler are serious and can significantly impact perceptions of integrity. However, Khaira’s willingness to invite an inquiry into the matter suggests a commitment to upholding integrity. Additionally, the conclusion that all cases against him were falsely registered further strengthens his integrity. Rating: 3.5/5
3. Leadership:
   Khaira’s leadership is evident in his roles as Leader of the Opposition and Chairman of the All India Kisan Congress. However, his removal from the position of Leader of the Opposition and the controversies surrounding his political affiliations may raise questions about his leadership capabilities. Rating: 3/5
4. Public Trust:
   Public trust may be affected by the controversies surrounding Khaira, including allegations of attempting to join AAP Punjab and the accusations of protecting a heroin smuggler. However, the conclusion that the cases against him were falsely registered may restore some trust in his integrity. Rating: 3/5

Overall Rating: 3.125/5

This rating reflects the complexities and mixed perceptions surrounding Sukhpal Singh Khaira’s political career, acknowledging both positive and negative aspects.