In a significant development that has reverberated through Punjab’s political landscape, senior IPS officer Gurinder Singh Dhillon on Tuesday made a notable transition from law enforcement to politics. Dhillon’s decision to join the Congress party comes on the heels of his recent voluntary retirement from the police service, just weeks before his scheduled superannuation.
 
With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, Dhillon’s entry into the political arena has sparked considerable interest, especially amid speculation that he could be the Congress candidate from the Ferozepur Lok Sabha constituency.
 
Notably, Congress has, so far, announced its candidates for 12 segments, out of the total 13, while holding back the announcement for Ferozepur. Senior IPS officer, who was serving as the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), was set to retire on May 31, this year.
 
Dhillon, along with his wife, were inducted into the party at New Delhi, where All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Punjab affairs Devender Yadav formally welcomed them.
 
During the ceremony, Dhillon expressed his admiration for Rahul Gandhi’s leadership qualities, citing his personal interactions with the former Congress president during Punjab led of the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’. The yatra provided Dhillon with a unique opportunity to accompany Rahul Gandhi for a significant stretch, fostering a close rapport with the Congress leader.
 
In fact, before joining, Dhillon also changed his ‘profile pic’ on X (formerly twitter), posting a one with Rahul Gandhi. “I came in close interaction with him (Rahul Gandhi) during the Bharat Jodo Yatra as I walked with him for 130 kms from Fatehgarh Sahib to Jammu city. After that he came for sewa at Golden Temple and stayed for three to four days. (Senior Congress leader KC) Venugopal ji wanted me on duty inside Darbar Sahib. During these two visits, I interacted with him (Rahul Gandhi) and Venugopal ji very closely. I understood the Congress feel and touch. And I found myself impressed by the leadership qualities of Rahul ji,” said Dhillon.
 
Reflecting on his decision to join the Congress, Dhillon emphasized his commitment to serving the people and contributing to the party's ideology and vision.
 
Yadav, addressing the media, hailed Dhillon’s decision to join the Congress and highlighted his potential as an asset to the party. Yadav underscored the importance of Dhillon’s vast experience and leadership qualities, indicating that the party would entrust him with responsibilities in line with his capabilities.
 
While there is speculation that Dhillon could be fielded as the Congress candidate from Ferozepur, he emphasized his willingness to serve the party in any capacity, prioritizing grassroots engagement and understanding the needs of the public. The party is also considering the name of former MP Sher Singh Ghubaya for the seat.
 
Born out of a desire to continue serving the people and contribute to the betterment of society, Dhillon's transition from a decorated police officer to a political aspirant underscored the multifaceted nature of public service. Serving the border state from militancy to serious issues by being on various posts or wings, Dhillon said that he always tried to give the best possible. “Whatever diverse experience I gained from the police service, I place at the disposal of the Congress party and its leadership,” he added.
 
Dhillon further expressed, “Engaging in electoral battles may seem tempting, but my foremost request to the party is to allow me to serve as a humble servant. I aspire to walk alongside the general public, empathize with their challenges, and address their concerns. If, in due course, the people express their desire for my candidacy, I will consider it. Additionally, I am committed to adhering to the directives of the party high command, unwaveringly following their instructions as a disciplined party member.”
 
On April 24, a 1997-batch IPS officer had posted on ‘X’, stating, “I have taken VRS from my Police service. I am feeling uncaged. Let’s see where wind of destiny pollinates me.” Starting his career as Deputy Superintendent of Police in Jalandhar, Dhillon was elevated to the Indian Police Service in 2012 and allotted to the 1997-batch on account of his seniority. He had served in various positions in intelligence, anti-drug Special Task Force, Bureau of Investigation, and other wings.