Sangrur, June 9 -- Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Sunday said veteran leader Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, who passed away on May 28 following age-related issues, had asked him to bring all the leaders of the regional party and "panth" together. At the antim ardas" ceremony in Sangrur, he said, "Just two days before passing away, Sukhdev Dhindsa had told him to gather the leadership and panth to serve the people. The message highlights the importance of a united leadership for the community's future." On the occasion, leaders cutting across party lines gathered to pay their last respects. Sukhbir said today's leadership should learn from the determination and resilience shown by veterans, including Dhindsa. Terming veteran Dhindsa's son Parminder Dhindsa as his younger brother, he recalled his tenure as the state finance minister during the SAD tenure. Meanwhile, Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar said the Akali factions should unite by setting aside their differences. "A strong panthic party is required not only for the state but also for the nation. It will be a true tribute to Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa," he said. "It must also be kept in mind that due to internal differences, Punjab's great heritage should not be usurped by others, lest the panth, the community and Punjab have to bear the consequences," he stated. Chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann sent a condolence message to Dhindsa's family, hailing the veteran leader's role in promoting sports while being the Union sports minister. Besides, leader of Opposition in state assembly Partap Singh Bajwa, Congress leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, BJP leader Tarun Chugh, former deputy speaker of the Lok Sabha Charanjit Singh Atwal, Simranjit Singh Maan, Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri, former Akal Takht jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, SAD leader Prem Singh Chandumajra, Punjab cabinet minister Aman Arora, MP Gurjeet Aujla and others were present....