Fadnavis orders probe into attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal in Nanded

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday, August 13, ordered a probe into the attack on Shiromani Akali Dal president and former Punjab Deputy CM Sukhbir Singh Badal in Nanded.

Fadnavis called up Badal and enquired about his health, sources said.

A man attacked Badal with a knife when he was visiting the Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji Mugat in Nanded at around 1.45 pm, an official said.

Badal was rushed to a private hospital for treatment, police said, adding that one person has been taken into custody in connection with the attack.

Badal's condition was stable, the sources said.

Fadnavis sought information about the incident from the Nanded Superintendent of Police. He directed the police to investigate the motive behind the attack, they added.

Senior BJP leader R P Singh strongly condemned the attack on Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal in Maharashtra's Nanded on Thursday, August 13, and said such an act of violence is completely unacceptable.

He appealed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to ensure that this incident is thoroughly and impartially investigated.I strongly condemn the attack on S. Sukhbir Singh Badal Ji in Nanded. Such an act of violence is completely unacceptable and has no place whatsoever in a democratic society. Political differences and disagreements are a natural part of democracy, but resorting to violence can never be justified," R P Singh, national spokesperson of BJP, said in a post on X.

"Punjab and the Punjabi community have already suffered immensely during the dark and painful years of violence and militancy. Generations of Punjabis have borne the deep scars left by that period. We cannot, under any circumstances, allow those dark days to return. Peace, brotherhood, constitutional values and the rule of law must always prevail," he said.

The BJP leader further appealed to Fadnavis to take strict action against those responsible in accordance with law.

"There can be strong political disagreements, criticism and differences of opinion, but there must always be respect for democratic institutions and the rule of law. Violence cannot be allowed to become a means of expressing political or personal differences,” he said.

"At a time when Punjab and the entire country are moving forward with aspirations of peace, development and progress, incidents like this must be dealt with firmly so that a clear message goes out that violence has no place in public life," he added.

Singh appealed to everyone to maintain peace and restraint.

"Let us ensure that the hard-earned peace of Punjab and the dignity of our democratic system are protected at all costs," he said.