Rulda Singh

Rulda Singh was an Indian politician who joined Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1976 and became president of Rashtriya Sikh Sangat, a Sikh affiliate of RSS. He was also general secretary of NRI wing of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He was born in a Jat Sikh family on 9 April 1952 in Jasowal, a village near Patiala, Punjab, India. He was married to Surjit Kaur and resided near Sirhind road in Patiala district. He was committed to play the role in bridging the gap between Hindu and Sikh community in Punjab and other Indian states, which had been affected by the post-Bluestar events, such as the 1984 Sikh riots and the militancy in Punjab in late 80s and early 90s. He was sworn in as national president of Rashtriya Sikh Sangat, formed primarily to promote nationalism and harmony among Sikh youth who were disgruntled with Congress's divisive politics. He was also a member of various parliamentary committees and a cabinet minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. On 29 July 2009, Rulda Singh was shot several times in face and abdomen by two or three armed assailants outside his residence. He died of his wounds at PGIMER, Chandigarh on 14 August 2009. He was allegedly targeted by some pro-Khalistan elements who opposed his association with RSS and BJP. In July 2010, three UK Sikhs were arrested following an 11-month investigation, but they were later discharged by a UK court due to insufficient evidence. Rulda Singh was a popular and influential leader of Punjab and was known for his honesty, simplicity and dedication to public service.