Former Top Bureaucrat KJS Cheema Enters Punjab Politics with SAD

Former senior IAS officer KJS Cheema formally joined the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Thursday. The induction took place during a special press conference where party president Sukhbir Singh Badal welcomed him into the party by presenting a traditional siropa. Speaking at the event, Badal extended a warm welcome to Cheema, highlighting his extensive administrative experience. A resident of Moonak, Cheema has had a distinguished career in public service. He served as the Principal Secretary to former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal for a decade. In addition, he held several key positions in the Punjab government for around seven years. Badal further noted that Cheema has also served in important roles at the central level and in other states. His experience includes working as Secretary to former Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee for five years, and as Additional Chief Secretary to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for four years. Apart from his administrative career, Cheema is also a retired Captain from the Indian Army, reflecting a strong sense of discipline and service. Badal expressed confidence that the Shiromani Akali Dal would benefit significantly from Cheema’s vast experience and expertise.