Political leaders across party lines have strongly condemned the attack on former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, calling it a grave security lapse and a dangerous attempt to destabilize peace in the state. While hailing the swift action of the Punjab Police in averting the tragedy, leaders have demanded immediate accountability, with calls for resignations, judicial inquiries, and stringent punishment for those responsible. They emphasized the need to address the growing concerns over law and order and safeguard the state's peace and harmony.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal condemned the attack, claiming a conspiracy to defame Punjab and suggested that “powerful forces” were behind the incident. He praised the Punjab Police for averting a tragedy. “The Punjab Police has set an example for the world on how to maintain law and order,” Kejriwal said, emphasizing the need to investigate the forces responsible for the attack.

SAD leader and former Minister Daljit Singh Cheema demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, holding the State Government responsible for a failure in law and order. “This is a 100 percent failure of law and order. The Chief Minister should resign,” he said, while also calling for a judicial inquiry into the incident. He further questioned the delay in the police's actions, pointing out that the attacker had been seen roaming the area the day before.

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, condemning the attack as unfortunate, lauded the Punjab Police for their swift action in preventing it. “The Punjab Police deserves accolades for its vigilant action at the most sacred place,” he said, highlighting the importance of safety in the Guru Ghar.

Punjab Congress president and Ludhiana MP Amarinder Singh Raja Warring criticized the Punjab Government for its negligence, describing the incident as “absolutely unacceptable”. He demanded, “Whoever fired the bullets must face the harshest punishment”. At the same time, he urged immediate suspension of the ACP responsible and emphasized the need for accountability.

BJP leader and former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh expressed relief that Sukhbir Badal was unharmed, thanking the individual who intervened and deflected the bullet. He warned against forces trying to sabotage peace in Punjab, saying, “Punjab cannot afford another dark era of terror.”

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, condemning the attack, said: “Violence and such attacks have no place in a civil society.” He praised the Punjab Police for their prompt action and assured that the investigation would be thorough.

Former Minister and senior BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia highlighted the security lapse, questioning why a notorious terrorist like Narain Singh Chaura was able to get so close to Sukhbir Badal despite extensive security. “This is a massive failure of security,” he said, stressing the need to hold those responsible accountable.

Punjab BJP vice president Fatehjung Singh Bajwa criticized the release of Chaura, calling him a “dreaded terrorist”. He questioned the government’s handling of security and emphasized that such individuals belong behind bars. “If the police knew he was roaming the area, how could they leave Sukhbir Singh Badal exposed?” he asked.

Misl Satluj president Ajaypal Singh Brar, also condemning the attack, emphasized that it was wrong to target him while he was fulfilling a penance ordered by the Akal Takht. “Personal differences may exist, but attacking someone while they are serving penance is highly inappropriate,” he said, calling the act a violation of Sikh principles.

The incident continues to stir strong political reactions, with leaders across parties demanding accountability and expressing concerns about the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab.

Punjab CM Hails Police for Foiling “deep-rooted conspiracy”, Orders thorough probe

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday commended the state police for preventing a “deep-rooted conspiracy” to defame Punjab by foiling an assassination attempt on former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal in Amritsar.

Mann, speaking to the media during the dedication of the ‘Nishan-e-Inquilaab’ plaza, condemned the attack in the strongest terms, emphasizing that such acts had no place at the sacred Sri Harmandir Sahib. He highlighted that over 175 police personnel, including senior officers, had been deployed to prevent any untoward incident, and their vigilance had ensured the attack was thwarted.

Assuring the public that the Punjab Government is closely monitoring the investigation, he said that he has already directed the Director General of Police to conduct a thorough probe. He also emphasized that maintaining peace and communal harmony in the state remains the government's top priority. “Punjab has always been a land of saints, martyrs, and values of brotherhood,” he said, adding that no one would be allowed to disturb its hard-earned peace.