Lakha Sidhana

Lakha Sidhana
Born1979/1980
Bathinda, Punjab, India
OccupationsSocial activist and politician
Political party
Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De)

Lakhvir Singh Sidhana, better known as Lakha Sidhana is an Indian social activist and politician of the Akali Dal Waris Punjab De.

Early life

Sidhana was born in the Sidhana village of Bathinda district of Punjab, India.[1] Beginning as a successful Kabaddi player and a student leader, Sidhana eventually morphed into an infamous local Gangster, being accused in multiple charges and being imprisoned in 2004.[2] After facing his sentences, Sidhana turned towards Grassroots social activism.

Activism

Sidhana was a major youth leader and influencer of the 2020–2021 Indian farmers' protest, working closely with organizations like Samyukt Kisan Morcha from the initial stages.[3] He came under significant spotlight at the 2021 Indian farmers' Republic Day protest for alleged involvement in the commotion at Red Fort. Sidhana denied any allegations of inciting violence, stating that he instead tried to calm down the situation.[4][5]

Sidhana is an adamant advocate for the preservation of Punjabi language and culture, often criticizing the implementation of Hindi in certain schools, protesting against the lack of Punjabi billboards, and speaking on the distortion of Punjabi and Sikh literature.[6]

Attempting to participate in the 2024-2025 Indian farmers' protest, Sidhana was kept on high alert by police in Delhi and Haryana due to his arrest during 2021 Indian farmers' Republic Day protest.[7][8]

Sidhana has also supported the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha at times, which aims for the release of Sikh political prisoners. A segment of this protest was held by Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) at Chandigarh on 29 July, 2026, which also advocated for the release of Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh. A FIR was registered by Chandigarh Police against Sidhana and 14 other members of Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De).[9]

Politics

Sidhana entered politics as a member of Shiromani Akali Dal, serving as an aide to Minister Sikander Singh Maluka.[10] He unsuccessfully contested from Rampura Phul in 2012 from ticket of People's Party of Punjab.[11][12]

He contested from Maur in 2022 as an Independent politician under the broader Sanyukt Samaj Morcha coalition led by farmers' union leader Balbir Singh Rajewal.[13][14] Sidhana came in second place, being defeated by Sukhveer Singh Maiserkhana.[15]

Sidhana contested from Bathinda in 2024 Indian general election on the ticket of Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar), while not officially joining the party.[16] He came in fifth place with 7.36% of the total vote share.[17]

He officially joined Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) on 15 January 2026.[18]

Electoral performance

Punjab Assembly election, 2012: Rampura Phul
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
SAD Sikandar Singh Maluka 58,141 45.80 Decrease0.73
INC Gurpreet Singh Kangar 53,005 41.76 Decrease6.68
PPoP Lakhvir Singh Sidhana 10,065 7.93 New entry
BSP Randhir Singh 1,454 1.15 Decrease0.07
Independent Dr. Amarjit Singh 1,304 1.03 New entry
Majority 5,136 4.05
Turnout 126,933 87.22
Registered electors 145,535
SAD gain from INC Swing
Punjab Assembly election, 2022: Maur[19]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
AAP Sukhveer Singh Maiserkhana[20] 63,099 46.37 Increase0.82
SSM Lakhvir Singh Sidhana 28,091 20.90 New entry
SAD Jagmeet Singh Brar 23,355 17.30 Decrease17.51
INC Manoj Bala Bansal[21] 15,034 11.20 Decrease5.68
BJP Dayal Sodhi 3,418 2.50 New entry
NOTA None of the above 1,351 0.8
Majority 35,008 25.73
Turnout 136,081 80.6
Registered electors 168,910 [22]
AAP hold
2024 Indian general election: Bathinda[23]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
SAD Harsimrat Kaur Badal 376,558 32.71 Decrease8.81
AAP Gurmeet Singh Khuddian 326,902 28.40 Increase17.21
INC Jeet Mohinder Singh Sidhu 202,011 17.55 Decrease21.75
BJP Parampal Kaur Sidhu 110,762 9.62 New entry
SAD(A) Lakha Sidhana 84,684 7.36 New entry
NOTA None of the Above 4,933 0.43 Decrease 0.67
Majority 49,656 4.31 Increase 2.50
Turnout 1,151,170
Registered electors 16,51,188
SAD hold Swing Decrease 8.81

References

  1. ↑ "Who is Lakha Sidhana, Gangster-turned-Activist Named in Delhi's Tractor Rally Violence?". India.com. 27 January 2021. Retrieved 31 July 2026.
  2. ↑ "Gangster-turned-activist & now politician — who is Lakha Sidhana, Simranjit Mann's pick for Bathinda". The Print. 27 April 2024. Retrieved 31 July 2026.
  3. ↑ "Who is former gangster Lakha Sidhana, accused of R-Day violence?". Hindustan Times. 28 January 2021. Retrieved 31 July 2026.
  4. ↑ "Farmer leaders to be charged for sedition; UAPA invoked by police". Hindustan Times. 28 January 2021. Retrieved 31 July 2026.
  5. ↑ Arora, Kusum (28 January 2021). "Who Are Deep Sidhu and Lakha Sidhana, and Why Are Farmers' Unions Angry With Them?". The Wire. Retrieved 31 July 2026.
  6. ↑ "Respected Punjabi activist arrested after stand against anti-Sikh RSS school". Sikh Press Association. 22 November 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2026.
  7. ↑ "Gangster Lakha Sidhana at protest site, Delhi cops go on alert in city". Times of India. 15 February 2024. Retrieved 31 July 2026.
  8. ↑ "Who is Lakha Sidhana? R-Day violence accused back in spotlight amid farmers protest". Financial Express. 15 February 2024. Retrieved 31 July 2026.
  9. ↑ "FIR against MLA, 14 Akali dal (Waris Punjab De) leaders". Times of India. 30 July 2026. Retrieved 31 July 2026.
  10. ↑ "Gangster turned activist? Who is Lakha Sidhana, accused in Red Fort violence". India Today. 27 January 2021. Retrieved 31 July 2026.
  11. ↑ "SAD (Amritsar) names gangster-turned-activist Lakha Sidhana as candidate from Bathinda Lok Sabha seat". Tribune India. 15 April 2024. Retrieved 31 July 2026.
  12. ↑ "Rampura Phul result 2012". Result University. Retrieved 31 July 2026.
  13. ↑ "Punjab Assembly elections 2022: Gangster-turned-activist Lakha Sidhana wants people to read newspapers, open libraries". First Post. 18 February 2022. Retrieved 31 July 2026.
  14. ↑ "Punjab polls: Sanyukt Samaj Morcha nominates Lakha Sidhana as candidate from Maur". India Today. 23 January 2022. Retrieved 31 July 2026.
  15. ↑ "Vidhan Sabha Punjab 2022 Maur". India Votes. Retrieved 31 July 2026.
  16. ↑ "2024 Lok Sabha candidate Lakhvir Singh Lakha Sidhana". The Hindu. 1 June 2024. Retrieved 31 July 2026.
  17. ↑ "2024 Lok Sabha Bathinda result". India Today. 4 June 2024. Retrieved 31 July 2026.
  18. ↑ "Lakha Sidhana joins Akali Dal (WPD)". Indian Express. 15 January 2026. Retrieved 31 July 2026.
  19. ↑ Election Commission of India. "Punjab General Legislative Election 2022". Retrieved 26 June 2021.
  20. ↑ "Punjab Elections 2022: Full list of Aam Aadmi Party candidates and their constituencies". The Financial Express. 21 January 2022. Retrieved 23 January 2022.
  21. ↑ "Punjab Elections 2022: Full list of Congress Candidates and their Constituencies". FE Online. No. The Financial Express (India). The Indian Express Group. February 18, 2022. Retrieved 18 February 2022.
  22. ↑ "Punjab General Legislative Election 2022". Election Commission of India. Retrieved 18 May 2022.
  23. ↑ "2024 Loksabha Elections Results - Bathinda". Election Commission of India. 4 June 2024. Archived from the original on 2 July 2024. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
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