Badal Alleges Plot To Destabilise Punjab

Mumbai: A day after an attack on him at a gurdwara in Maharashtra’s Nanded, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Friday alleged that the ‘mission’ of the attack was to “disturb peace in Punjab.” There are forces that are seeking to destabilise Punjab, he said.

“A lot of forces do not want peace in Punjab and this country. They feel the Shiromani Akali Dal is a hindrance to their mission,” Badal said before adding that he would not be intimidated by the attack on him.

“Na main darta hai, na main darya hain (Neither am I afraid, nor have I been scared),” Badal asserted, adding, “Everything is in God’s hands. I thank Guru Gobind Singh ji Maharaj.”

“I have always said that no one can harm those who are protected by the almighty...I thank Guru Gobind Singhji on whose land I had arrived. The enemies of the country and of Punjab tried (to attack me), but I have been saved by Guru Gobind Singhji,” he stated.

Badal was discharged from a hospital at 1.30 pm in Nanded on Friday, a day after he was injured in a sharp weapon attack inside a gurdwara. After talking to the media, he left for the airport to return to Punjab. He asserted that he was “feeling perfect” and “is not afraid.”

“I am not afraid, neither have I ever been so. I only want to state that Shiromani Akali Dal can make all kinds of sacrifices, but we are committed to communal harmony and brotherhood in Punjab,” the 64-year-old Akali Dal chief, flanked by his wife and a whole lot of security personnel, said.

Badal was attacked on Thursday afternoon by Jaspal Singh, who was dressed in Nihang attire, at the Mata Saheb Gurdwara complex in Hazur Sahib area in Nanded. He was rushed to a hospital, where he received two to three stitches on his right hand. Inspector Santosh Kendre of the Maharashtra Police’s Special Protection Unit was also injured while intervening during the attack.

Harsimrat Kaur met Kendre and wished him recovery. “I salute Inspector Santosh Vaijnath Kendre for showing heroic courage in saving Sukhbir Singh Badal ji’s life during the attack in Nanded. Santosh, you stood like a human shield between Sukhbir ji and the attacker, putting your own life at risk to protect his. In doing so, you reminded us of what it truly means to wear the uniform – to put duty before self and courage before fear. The Badal family bows to you with deepest gratitude. Your bravery will never be forgotten. May Waheguru bless you with a speedy recovery. Also, a special mention for the doctors and the entire staff at the Yashosai Hospital for their relentless service in comforting us,” Harsimrat Kaur said.

Meanwhile, the accused Jaspal Singh was presented before a Nanded district court at around 4 pm. The court remanded him in police custody till August 24.