Leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Akal Takht have strongly denounced an assault on Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal at a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra. The attack took place on Thursday afternoon when Badal visited Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji Mugat. He suffered a minor hand injury from a kirpan used by a Nihang, who was detained. Badal received stitches and remains stable.
Punjab BJP chief Kewal Singh Dhillon voiced concern and wished for Badal’s swift recovery, noting violence has no place at sacred sites. Senior BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu described the act as a cowardly attempt threatening peace. National spokesperson R P Singh called for a thorough probe and warned against any return to past violence in Punjab.
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj condemned the incident inside the gurdwara complex, stating no true Sikh would harm another devotee. SAD vice-president Sanjeev Talwar questioned the security failure despite Badal’s protection and called it an attack on Punjab’s unity.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered an inquiry. The event follows a prior shooting attempt on Badal in December. Leaders have urged accountability and restraint.
