One of the most powerful political families of Punjab, the Badals have lately come to signify corruption and misgovernance. Parkash Singh Badal made his foray into politics way back in the 1960s, and became the Union Agriculture Minister before shifting his focus to his state.
Son Sukhbir had joined active politics as an MP. But allegations of corruption and bitter differences with other Akali leaders like Gurcharan Singh Tohra and Simranjeet Singh Mann followed him throughout his tenure, and forced him out of power.
Parkash Singh Badal
Entry into politics: 1960
Top post: Chief Minister of Punjab, Union Cabinet Minister
Best known for: Corruption charges and differences with other Akali leaders
Party: Shiromani Akali Dal
Constituency: Lambi assembly constituency
In this election: Campaigning
Gurdas Singh Badal (brother)
Entry into politics: 1967
Top post: Member of Parliament
Party: Shiromani Akali Dal
Constituency: Fazilka parliamentary constituency
In this election: Campaigning
Sukhbir Singh Badal (son)
Entry into politics: 1996
Top post: Union Minister of State
Party: Shiromani Akali Dal
Constituency: Faridkot parliamentary constituency
In this election: Contesting