Sukhbir Singh Badal

Sukhbir Singh Badal (born 9 July 1962) is an Indian politician who has been the Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab since 2009. He is also the president of Sikh political party Shiromani Akali Dal. He is the son of Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal.

Early life and education

Sukhbir Badal was born on 9 July 1962 in Faridkot. His mother's name is Surinder Kaur. Initially, he was educated at The Lawrence School, Sanawar. He completed an M.A. in Economics from Panjab University Chandigarh and an M.B.A from California State University, Los Angeles in the United States.

Political career

Sukhbir Singh Badal was a member of the 11th and 12th Lok Sabha, representing Faridkot. He was Union Minister of State for Industry in Second Vajpayee Ministry during 1998 to 1999. He was also a member of Rajya Sabha during 2001 to 2004. In 2004, he was re-elected from Faridkot for 14th Lok Sabha. He became the President of Akali Dal in January 2008. A year later in January 2009, he was made the Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab. He was not the Member of Punjab Vidhan Sabha at that time. He resigned in July 2009, upon the completion of six-month period available for contesting elections for the assembly, during which he did not contest any elections. He was again appointed Deputy Chief Minister in August 2009 after winning by-elections from Jalalabad.