Sukhbir Singh Badal, Former Punjab Dy CM attacked in Maharashtra’s Nanded; Hospitalised

Second Attack On Sukhbir Badal In Two Years

The Nanded incident marks the second attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal in nearly two years. In December 2024, the former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister survived an assassination attempt outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

The attacker, identified as Narayan Singh Chaura, a resident of Dera Baba Nanak and an alleged member of Dal Khalsa, was arrested following the incident. Chaura had earlier been booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in 2013.

The 2024 attack took place shortly after the Akal Takht had announced religious punishment (tankhah) for Badal, holding him responsible for supporting Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim in connection with the 2007 sacrilege case involving the Guru Granth Sahib.

Attack After Badal’s Meeting With PM Modi

The latest attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal comes days after his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, which triggered political speculation over a possible rapprochement between the Shiromani Akali Dal and the Bharatiya Janata Party ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections.

The meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Parliament House complex last week.

Soon after the meeting, the Shiromani Akali Dal renewed its demand for the implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill and the Delimitation Bill, adding further momentum to discussions over the party’s future political strategy.