Early Life and Education
Harsimrat Kaur Badal is a prominent politician affiliated with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) party. She has served multiple terms as a Member of Parliament (MP) representing the Bathinda constituency in Punjab and has held significant ministerial positions in the Indian government.
Born on July 25, 1966, in New Delhi, Harsimrat Kaur Badal is the daughter of Satyajit Singh Majithia and Sukhmanjus Majithia. She completed her schooling at Loreto Convent School in Delhi and holds a diploma in textile design.
Political Career
Harsimrat Kaur Badal began her political journey with the 2009 general elections, securing a seat in the 15th Lok Sabha from the Bathinda constituency by defeating Indian National Congress candidate Raninder Singh. She successfully retained her seat in the subsequent 2014 and 2019 elections, defeating Manpreet Singh Badal and Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, respectively.
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Harsimrat Kaur Badal secured her fourth consecutive term as the Member of Parliament for the Bathinda constituency in Punjab.
Ministerial Positions
In 2014, she was appointed as the Union Cabinet Minister of Food Processing Industries in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, a position she held until her resignation in September 2020. Her resignation was in protest against the farm bills introduced by the government, reflecting her commitment to the concerns of the farming community.
Major Achievements
During her tenure as the Minister of Food Processing Industries, Harsimrat Kaur Badal launched several initiatives aimed at boosting the food processing sector in India. She played a pivotal role in implementing the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana, which aimed to create modern infrastructure for food processing and reduce wastage. Her efforts contributed to attracting significant investments in the sector and generating employment opportunities.
Key Political Initiatives
One of her notable initiatives is the “Nanhi Chhan” project, launched in September 2008. This project focuses on combating female foeticide, promoting women empowerment, and environmental conservation by planting trees. It operates in schools, colleges, gurdwaras, temples, churches, and municipal centers, providing training in skills like sewing and knitting to women in Punjab’s villages.
Support for Farmers: Badal has been a vocal advocate for farmers’ rights. In December 2024, she appealed to the central government to accept the demands of farmers, including making the Minimum Support Price (MSP) a legal guarantee, highlighting her commitment to agricultural issues. (Hindustan Times)
MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal raised concerns in the Lok Sabha about the misuse of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) funds in Punjab. She alleged that AAP leaders were bypassing Panchayats and distributing funds arbitrarily for political publicity.
MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal urged the central government to address farmers’ demands and highlighted the 21-day hunger strike of farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal. She emphasized the loss of over 700 farmers in ongoing protests and stressed the urgent need to protect the rights of food providers. Badal called for immediate government action to resolve the farmers’ concerns and prevent further casualties. Her initiative reflects her strong advocacy for farmers’ welfare and agricultural reforms.
Contributions
Harsimrat Kaur Badal has been an advocate for the rights and welfare of farmers, especially in Punjab. Her resignation from the Union Cabinet in 2020 was a significant move to align with the sentiments of the farming community protesting against the farm bills. She has also been vocal about issues concerning women’s rights and environmental conservation through her “Nanhi Chhan” initiative.
Social Media
Personal Life
She is married to Sukhbir Singh Badal, former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab and current President of the Shiromani Akali Dal. The couple has two daughters and a son. Her brother, Bikram Singh Majithia, is also an active politician and a member of the Shiromani Akali Dal.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Harsimrat Kaur Badal’s political journey reflects her dedication to public service, with a focus on agriculture, women’s empowerment, and industrial development. Her consistent electoral victories indicate strong support from her constituency. As a senior leader in the Shiromani Akali Dal, she is expected to continue playing a significant role in Punjab’s political landscape, advocating for policies that benefit her constituents and the broader community.
Promises and Future Commitments
Throughout her tenure, she has made several commitments to her constituents, including improving infrastructure, enhancing educational facilities, and promoting industrial development in Punjab. Her future commitments are expected to align with these focus areas, aiming to bring holistic development to her constituency and the state.
MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal visited Krishna Gaushala in Khaira village (Sardulgarh constituency) and met devotees from various villages. She allocated grants from her discretionary quota to support development projects in Krishna Gaushala Khiala, Adarsh Gaushala Karandi, Gagowal, and Moda village Panchayats. This initiative reflects her commitment to rural development and welfare, particularly in supporting community spaces and improving local infrastructure.
Videos and Interviews