Bir Devinder Singh, the former Deputy Speaker of the Vidhan Sabha and a notable figure in Indian politics, has sadly passed away at the age of 73. Mr. Singh was receiving treatment for cancer at PGI, Chandigarh, at the time of his death. His close contacts, from his long-standing involvement in the Congress party, report that his illness was diagnosed only a few months ago. Mr. Singh served honorably as Deputy Speaker from 2003 to 2004.
Mr. Singh is mourned by his wife, three daughters, and a son. Born in the village of Kotla Bhai Ka, near Sirhind town, he made his home in Model Town, Patiala. Mr. Singh’s political journey began in earnest when he was first elected as an MLA from the Sirhind constituency in 1980, later reprising this role from the Kharar district in 2002.
A dedicated Congress party member for the majority of his career, Mr. Singh was dismissed from the party in 2016 due to a disagreement with the then PPCC chief, Capt Amarinder Singh. In 2019, he briefly associated himself with the SAD (Taksali), though he subsequently resigned from this position as well.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, along with other political colleagues, voiced their deep sadness at the news of Mr. Singh’s passing. “Punjab has lost a wise leader in Bir Devinder Singh…”, Mann stated in a heartfelt tweet.
Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, the current president of the Punjab Congress, paid tribute to Mr. Singh, noting, “His profound understanding of Punjab, humility and dedication to public service will always be remembered. My deepest sympathies go out to his grieving family members…”
Meanwhile, Harjinder Singh Dhami, the president of SGPC, also shared his thoughts, writing, “Bir Devinder Singh will go down in history as a politician of great intellect.”
Mr. Singh’s family is now preparing for the final rites, awaiting the return of overseas family members. The last rites are scheduled to be performed at the cremation ground of Badungar village on the coming Monday.
