Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal on Friday called the 'kirpan' attack on him a 'larger conspiracy' aimed at taking control of the state and disturbing peace in Punjab.
While speaking to the reporters after being discharged from the hospital, Badal said that the attacker's ultimate goal was to seize control of Punjab's political and social landscape and disrupt communal harmony as the 2027 Assembly elections approach.
"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. He also added that they attacked him twice in the holiest places.
He added that the SAD would not bow down to forces seeking to destabilise the state. 'I have never been scared, nor am I afraid now. Shiromani Akali Dal is committed to the brotherhood and pride of Punjab. The party can make any sacrifice, but Punjab's progress and communal harmony remain our top priority,' Badal said.
"God is with me," he said.
A member of the Nihang order had attacked Badal inside Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji Mugat on the outskirts of Maharashtra's Nanded town on Thursday. He underwent surgery lasting about 90 minutes after the attack.
Authorities said that Badal suffered a wound of around five centimetres on his right forearm.
The attack came after Badal escaped an attempt on his life at the entrance of the Golden Temple in December 2024. Visuals after Thursday's attack showed him walking inside the hospital building with a cloth wrapped around his right hand.
According to police, the accused, Jaspal Singh, attacked Badal inside the gurdwara.
The Mudkhed police registered a case against Jaspal Singh under BNS Section 109 (attempt to murder), Section 132 (obstructing a public servant on duty), and relevant provisions of the Arms Act.
Singh was also booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for attempt to murder, voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means, and voluntarily causing grievous hurt to a public servant to deter them from performing their duty.
