Chandigarh: A day after the attack at the Gurudwara complex in Nanded, Maharashtra, Shiromani Akali Dal President and former deputy chief minister of Punjab, Sukhbir Singh Badal, issued his first public statement. After being discharged from the hospital, Badal stated that he is doing well and is not intimidated by the incident. He remarked that Guru Gobind Singh Ji saved his life and affirmed that he would continue working to maintain peace and communal harmony in Punjab.
What did Sukhbir Badal say after the attack?
Speaking to the media after leaving the hospital, Sukhbir Badal said that he has never been afraid in the past, nor will he be afraid now. He attributed his survival in Nanded Sahib to the grace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Badal stated that he feels completely fine and intends to continue his political and social work despite the incident.
Did Badal link the attack to peace in Punjab?
Sukhbir Badal alleged that certain forces wish to undermine the peace and communal harmony of Punjab. He noted that the Shiromani Akali Dal has always stood for peace and brotherhood in the state. Referencing his father and former Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, he said that his father worked to maintain peace in the state and that he, too, would follow the same path.
What exactly happened at the Nanded Gurudwara?
The incident occurred on Thursday at the Gurudwara in Nanded, where Sukhbir Badal was present for religious observances. According to the police, an individual attempted to attack him with a sharp-edged religious weapon. Security personnel thwarted the attack through their prompt action. Badal sustained an injury to his hand during the incident, and a police officer deployed for security was also injured. The accused was apprehended on the spot.
Has the motive behind the attack become clear yet?
The motive behind the attack has not yet been fully clarified by the police investigation. Investigative agencies are questioning the accused and trying to determine whether the attack was spontaneous or part of a larger plan. According to officials, all aspects of the case are being investigated.
Why are questions being raised about the security lapse?
Questions have also been raised regarding Sukhbir Badal’s security. Following the incident, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis spoke to the Nanded Superintendent of Police to gather details and ordered an investigation. The fact that the attacker managed to get very close to Badal, despite his security cover, is being viewed as a serious security lapse.
Is this the second attack on Sukhbir Badal?
This is not the first time Sukhbir Badal has been attacked. An attempt was also made to shoot him in December 2024 while he was performing seva (voluntary service) at the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar. That incident also sparked significant discussion regarding his security and the motive behind the attack. The recent incident in Nanded has once again raised questions about his security.
What is Sukhbir Badal’s condition after being discharged from the hospital?
Sukhbir Badal was admitted to a private hospital in Nanded after sustaining an injury to his hand during the attack. He was discharged on Friday following treatment. While leaving, his arm was in a sling, but he stated that he was doing well and even spoke to the media.
Will the Akali Dal’s stance change following the attack?
Badal’s statement currently indicates that, despite this incident, the Akali Dal will continue to prioritize peace and communal harmony. He clearly stated that he would not be intimidated and would continue working for peace in Punjab. Meanwhile, the attacker’s motive and whether there was a larger conspiracy behind the incident will only become clear once the police investigation is complete.
