Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
The attack on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal in Nanded, Maharashtra, has triggered strong condemnation across Punjab and other parts of the country. Political leaders and Sikh religious authorities have demanded a high-level investigation into the incident.
The Jathedar of the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of the Sikhs, strongly condemned the assault and stated that the attacker cannot be considered a true Sikh.
Senior Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia called for a CBI investigation to identify the forces behind the attack. He said that this was the second attack on Sukhbir Badal inside a Gurdwara, adding that there had been two attempts on his life.
"Some forces are trying to disturb Punjab’s atmosphere once again," Majithia said.
Leaders across party lines stressed that the sanctity, dignity, and purity of religious places must not be violated under any circumstances. The Shiromani Akali Dal has intensified its demand for a CBI probe, alleging a serious security lapse.
Former Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu described the incident as a cowardly attempt on Sukhbir Singh Badal’s life and said it poses a direct threat to Punjab’s peace and security.
"There is no place for violence, intimidation, or fear inside our sacred religious institutions," Bittu said.
He further demanded that the culprits be identified and punished, and that those responsible for the security failure be held accountable.
Bittu also emphasized that Sikhism represents service, courage, and peace, not violence, and warned that those who encourage such elements in Punjab must seriously reconsider their actions.
The incident has reignited concerns over security arrangements at religious places and has become a major political issue in Punjab, with opposition leaders pressing for a transparent and independent investigation into the attack.
