Sukhbir Badal was attacked during a visit to a gurudwara in Nanded, sustaining minor injuries. The Shiromani Akali Dal demands a CBI probe into the incident.
New Delhi, India Aug 14, 2026 ALN: Former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked by a person during a visit to a gurudwara in Nanded district, Maharashtra, on Thursday, August 13, 2026. The police reported that Mr. Badal suffered a hand injury in the attack, which was carried out by an individual dressed in the attire of a Nihang Sikh. The incident has raised serious concerns regarding the safety of political leaders and the state of political discourse in India.
Initial investigations suggest that the suspect used a kirpan, a traditional dagger, to execute the attack. The kirpan holds significant cultural and religious importance for Sikhs, symbolizing the duty to protect the weak and uphold justice. This aspect of the attack adds a layer of complexity to the incident, as it not only involves a political figure but also intersects with religious sentiments and community identity. Mr. Badal, who was on a two-day visit to Nanded, was attacked while visiting the Mata Sahib Gurudwara, a site of great reverence for Sikhs.
While media reports indicated that two individuals were involved in the attack, Nanded Superintendent of Police Abinash Kumar clarified that only one accused was involved. “Only one accused is involved, a Nihang sevadar (volunteer) who worked at the gurudwara,” he stated. The clarification from the police highlights the importance of accurate reporting in the immediate aftermath of such incidents, where misinformation can exacerbate tensions and lead to further violence.
Nanded Collector Rahul Kardile confirmed that Mr. Badal suffered a minor injury to his hand and is currently stable and out of danger. He also mentioned that the police inspector who intervened to save Mr. Badal sustained injuries during the incident. This shows not only the immediate threat to Mr. Badal but also the risks faced by law enforcement personnel in the line of duty. Mr. Badal's wife, Lok Sabha MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal, was present at the time of the attack, adding a personal dimension to the incident that resonates with many families of public figures who face similar threats.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to inquire about Mr. Badal’s health following the incident. This gesture reflects the gravity of the situation and the need for political leaders across party lines to unite against violence. The Prime Minister's involvement may also indicate the broader implications of the attack, as it touches upon issues of political stability and communal harmony in the country.
According to sources, the accused, identified as Jaspal Singh, has been a sevadar at Mata Sahib for the past two years and works as a court clerk. His background raises questions about the motivations behind the attack and whether it was a spontaneous act of violence or part of a larger conspiracy. In response to the attack, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a thorough investigation, directing the police to look into the motive behind the assault. This investigation will be crucial in understanding the context of the attack and whether it is an isolated incident or part of a troubling trend.
The SAD has condemned the attack, labeling it a direct assault on Punjab politics and the Sikh community. Senior party leader and former Minister Bikram Singh Majithia stated, “This was the second murderous attack on Mr. Badal. The first occurred at Sri Harmandir Sahib on December 4, 2024, and the second at Nanded Sahib today. The Central government must immediately hand over the investigation into both the Punjab and Maharashtra incidents to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).” This statement underscores the party's position that the attacks on Mr. Badal are not merely personal but are indicative of a larger threat to the political landscape in Punjab.
Majithia further urged that the CBI should investigate whether there was any common conspiracy, local facilitation, or involvement of foreign handlers in the two attacks. The call for a CBI investigation reflects a lack of trust in local law enforcement’s ability to handle politically sensitive cases, which could have far-reaching implications for governance and public confidence in the justice system.
Other political parties have also condemned the attack. Congress’s Partap Singh Bajwa, the Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, described the violent incident as deeply disturbing and emphasized that there can be no justification for violence in a democracy. He stated, “Places of faith must remain sanctuaries of peace, harmony, and security, irrespective of political differences.” This sentiment resonates with many Indians who believe that places of worship should be free from political strife and violence, highlighting the need for a culture of respect and tolerance in a diverse society.
Bharatiya Janata Party Punjab president Kewal Singh Dhillon expressed concern over the violent incident occurring on the sacred premises of Hazur Sahib, calling it deeply unfortunate. “Political differences are one thing, but violence or an attack of this nature is extremely unfortunate,” he remarked. His comments reflect a broader political consensus against violence, which is essential for maintaining democratic norms and fostering a peaceful political environment.
In 2024, Mr. Badal had narrowly escaped an assassination attempt when a former militant and pro-Khalistan sympathizer opened fire at him outside the Golden Temple in Punjab’s Amritsar, where he was performing penance for his political actions. This earlier incident underscores the persistent threat to political figures in Punjab, particularly those associated with the Akali Dal, a party that has historically represented Sikh interests. The fact that Mr. Badal has faced multiple attacks raises questions about the security measures in place for politicians and the underlying tensions within Punjab's political landscape.
The repeated attacks on Mr. Badal may indicate a growing trend of political violence in India, particularly against leaders of regional parties. As political polarization increases, such incidents could become more common, leading to a further deterioration of the political climate. The implications of this attack extend beyond the immediate physical harm to Mr. Badal; it raises concerns about the safety of political discourse in India and the potential for violence to undermine democratic processes.
In conclusion, the attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal in Nanded is a significant event that highlights the challenges faced by political leaders in India, particularly in volatile regions like Punjab. The need for a thorough investigation and a commitment to upholding democratic values is crucial to ensure that such incidents do not become a common occurrence. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the response from various political entities and the public will be key in shaping the future of political discourse and safety in the country.
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