Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal has spoken publicly a day after he was attacked at a gurdwara in Maharashtra’s Nanded, saying the incident will not frighten him or change his commitment to Punjab.
Addressing reporters on Friday, Badal described the attack as part of what he believes is an attempt to create instability in Punjab. He said the SAD would continue to stand for peace, communal harmony and the state’s development.
‘I am not afraid,’ says Sukhbir Badal
Badal said the incident was the second attack on him at a religious place, but maintained that such incidents would not make him step back.
“Both times they attacked me in the holiest places… I have never been scared, nor am I afraid now,” Badal said.
He stressed that the Akali Dal would continue working to protect what he described as Punjab’s brotherhood and pride.
Badal alleges attempt to disturb Punjab’s peace
The SAD chief claimed that the motive behind the attack was linked to a larger attempt to create unrest in Punjab.
“Their mission is to take control of the situation in Punjab and disturb the peace, which, as President of Akali Dal, I will never allow,” he said.
Badal did not provide further details to establish who he believed was behind such an alleged effort. The motive behind the Nanded attack remains a matter for the ongoing investigation.
‘SAD can make any sacrifice for Punjab’
Badal said his party was prepared to make sacrifices for the state but would not compromise on peace and communal harmony.
“Shiromani Akali Dal is committed to the brotherhood and pride of Punjab,” he said.
He added that the party could make any sacrifice but would continue to place Punjab’s development and religious and communal harmony above other priorities.
What happened in Nanded?
Badal was attacked on Thursday at a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra, while he was visiting the religious site.
According to the information available from the incident, a Nihang man allegedly attacked him with a sharp-edged weapon. Badal suffered an injury to his hand and was subsequently taken to hospital.
A police officer who intervened during the attack was also injured.
The accused was detained by police, and authorities are investigating the circumstances and possible motive behind the incident.
Badal says Punjab’s peace is his priority
Speaking a day after the attack, Badal attempted to shift the focus from his personal safety to the broader issue of Punjab’s social harmony.
He said the SAD would continue to work towards maintaining peace between different communities and protecting the state’s interests.
His remarks come as the Nanded attack triggers political reactions and demands for a detailed investigation into how the assailant managed to approach a prominent political leader inside a gurdwara.
