Sukhbir Badal Says 'Not Afraid' After Kirpan Attack at Nanded Gurdwara
Former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal said on Friday that he is "feeling perfect" and "not afraid" a day after he was attacked with a kirpan at a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra. The 64-year-old leader, with his right hand in a cast, addressed reporters as he left the hospital where he underwent surgery.
"I am feeling perfect. See a lot of forces do not want peace in Punjab and in this country. They feel Shiromani Akali Dal is a hindrance to their mission," Badal said, flanked by his wife and security personnel. He added, "Neither am I afraid, nor have I been scared. Everything is in God's hand. I thank Guru Gobind Singh ji Maharaj."
The attack took place on Thursday at Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji Mugat on the outskirts of Nanded city. A person wearing the attire of a Nihang Sikh, a martial order within Sikhism, attacked Badal with a kirpan, causing an injury to his right hand. Police have not yet disclosed details about the attacker's identity or motive, and an investigation is under way.
This is not the first attempt on Badal's life. Two years ago, while he was performing penance at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, an attempt was made to kill him. Referring to that incident, Badal said, "These forces which have been prevalent before made an attempt on my life a year ago as well. They tried again. Their mission is to take control of the situation in Punjab and disturb peace, which as president of Akali Dal I will never allow it. Neither my father allowed it. Both times they attacked me in the holiest of places."
Badal was taken to Yashosai Hospital in Nanded, where he underwent a surgery that lasted an hour and a half. "There was a tendon injury, and he had a sharp penetrating wound. His tendon was repaired. The plastic surgeon also repaired his ulnar artery nerve. He is out of danger," a hospital doctor said.
Nanded holds deep religious significance for Sikhs as it is home to Hazur Sahib, one of the five Takhts — seats of authority — in Sikhism. The gurdwara where the attack occurred is located on the city's outskirts. Badal, who served as Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab from 2009 to 2017, has led the SAD since 2008. His father, Parkash Singh Badal, was a former Chief Minister of Punjab and a prominent Akali leader.
Nihangs are an armed Sikh order known for their distinctive blue robes and traditional weapons, including the kirpan, a curved sword. The incident has drawn attention to the security of political leaders in the country, though no official statements from other leaders have been reported yet. Badal, however, remained resolute, asserting that he will not allow such forces to disturb peace in Punjab.
