Harsimrat Kaur Badal

Harsimrat Kaur Badal, an MP representing the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) from Bathinda in Punjab, comes from a notable political lineage. She was born on July 25, 1966, in Delhi to Sukhmanjus Majithia and Satyajit Singh Majithia, a distinguished Akali leaders.

Transitioning from her early career as a textile designer, Harsimrat Kaur Badal has emerged as a significant figure within the SAD. As the daughter-in-law of the late Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal and the wife of former deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal, she carries forward a tradition of political engagement and service.

Harsimrat Kaur Badal's political journey began in 2009 when she ventured into politics and secured victory in the Bathinda Lok Sabha constituency.

In May 2010, she became a member of the Committee on Estimates, followed by her inclusion in the Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment in August 2009. Additionally, she was appointed to various standing committees, including those on Food & Public Distribution and Health & Family Welfare.

In May 2014, she was re-elected to the 16th Lok Sabha for her second term and assumed the role of Union Cabinet Minister for Food Processing Industries until May 2019. During this period, she actively participated in shaping policies related to food processing.

Continuing her political journey, she was re-elected to the 17th Lok Sabha in May 2019, marking her third term as a Member of Parliament. From May 2019 to September 2020, she served as the Union Cabinet Minister for Food Processing Industries once again, contributing to the development of the sector.

However, in 2020, Harsimrat Kaur Badal made a significant decision to resign from the Union Cabinet in protest against the farm laws introduced by the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) government. This move, which showcased her commitment to Punjab's interests and her willingness to take independent stands, marked a notable departure from her previous support for the NDA.