GURDIAL SINGH DHILLON

Gurdial Singh Dhillon (1915 – 23.3.1992), son of Bhai Hardit Singh, was born at village Sarhali (district Jullundur). He passed his B.A. and LL.B. examinations and started legal practice at Amritsar as junior to Dr. Saif-ud-Din Kitchlew. He joined the Akali Dal. Later, he joined the Congress Party. He became very vocal against the Akali Dal. He was one of those persons who gave several statements and addressed several meetings to oppose the formation of Punjabi Suba, apparently to get some office. In 1952, he was elected to the Punjab Assembly. Sometimes later, he was elected Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Assembly. In 1965, he became a cabinet minister in the Punjab. In 1972, he was elected to the Indian Parliament. He was given berth in the central cabinet. Later, he was appointed as Indian High Commissioner in Canada. Gurdial Singh Dhillon was always opposed to the Sikh demands. He supported the Congress even at the cost of the basic Sikh interests. When Indira Gandhi attacked Darbar Sahib (June 4, 1984), he remained loyal to her. He spent his last days at Delhi.

(Dr. Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)