Mohit Gupta’s rise in Akali Dal's senior leadership signals Sukhbir Badal's strategic push for social inclusion
By Gurpreet Singh Preet
Chandigarh, July 10, 2025: In what is being seen as a significant move towards political inclusivity and social engineering, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has elevated Mohit Gupta — a prominent non-Sikh Hindu leader — to its senior leadership ranks.
The latest list of senior vice presidents released by party president Sukhbir Singh Badal features Gupta as the only non-Sikh Hindu face, marking a strategic shift in the party’s approach to social representation.
Hailing from Bathinda district in Punjab’s politically crucial Malwa region, Mohit Gupta is a relatively young and proactive political figure. He began his political career in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), where he held several key positions over the years.
Gupta served three terms as BJP’s Bathinda District President, was State President of BJP’s Punjab Youth Wing, and was a member of both the BJP Traders Cell’s National Core Committee and the BJP Youth Wing’s National Working Committee. Following his shift to the Shiromani Akali Dal, Gupta continued to rise steadily within the party ranks.
His earlier roles as General Secretary and Spokesperson showcased his commitment and loyalty, particularly during periods when the party faced internal challenges and political setbacks.
His consistent dedication appears to have earned him a respected place in SAD’s core leadership circle.