The accused, identified as Jaspal Singh, allegedly targeted Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal over the former Punjab government's handling of the drug issue.
The accused claimed the previous SAD administration turned a blind eye to drug trafficking in Punjab, leaving thousands of youngsters ruined by drug abuse, News18 reported.
Meanwhile, police are examining the accused's statements from all angles. Maharashtra ATS and central investigating agencies also questioned him till late Thursday night.
The agencies are also probing the political angle behind the attack.
The former Punjab deputy CM was injured in a 'kirpan' attack by a member of the Nihang order inside a gurdwara in Nanded on Thursday.
Senior leaders, including Badal's brother-in-law Bikram Singh Majithia, demanded a CBI or a high court-monitored probe into the matter. He alleged that "it is a total failure." "We need to realise that no one attacks at 'Guru ghar'. Those who are atheists do such acts," he told PTI.
Majithia also claimed the attacker first struck at Badal's hand and then attempted to attack his chest with a knife.
Badal had escaped a similar attempt on his life at the Golden Temple entrance in December 2024.
Jaspal Singh holds degrees in commerce and law and is based in Pune with his family, the SP said, adding that he was staying alone in Nanded.
'We are checking his background...Initially he said he was angry about the drugs (problem) in Punjab. But the exact reason for the attack will come out only after a detailed investigation. We have also not come across any gang connection or criminal background of the attacker," Nanded Superintendent of Police Neelabh Rohan said.
Although Badal holds Z-plus category security, his central CISF cover—comprising around 40 personnel—applies only in Punjab and Delhi. Consequently, it was Punjab Police personnel who were guarding him when the attack took place.
Earlier this month, Badal had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, igniting speculation about the possibility of the Punjab-based party joining hands with the BJP again ahead of the Punjab assembly elections due early next year.
The SAD left the NDA six years ago following differences over the three agriculture laws that were later withdrawn by the Modi government.
The Badal family was visiting Maharashtra from August 12-14.
