'A lot of forces do not want peace': Sukhbir Badal’s first statement after Nanded attack

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal on Friday said he was “feeling perfect” and “is not afraid”, a day after he was attacked at a gurdwara in Maharashtra's Nanded.

With his right hand in a cast, Badal walked out of a hospital and spoke to reporters. The 64-year-old former Punjab deputy chief minister was accompanied by his wife and security personnel.

“I am feeling perfect. See a lot of forces do not want peace in Punjab and in this country. They feel Shiromani Akali Dal is a hindrance to their mission,” Badal said.

'Na main darta hai, na main darya hain'

Badal was attacked on Thursday while visiting Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji Mugat on the outskirts of Nanded city. The attacker, wearing the attire of a Nihang Sikh, allegedly targeted him with a kirpan, leaving him with an injury to his hand.

“Na main darta hai, na main darya hain (Neither am I afraid, nor have I been scared),” Badal said after leaving the hospital.

He added, “everything is in God's hand. I thank Guru Gobind Singh ji Maharaj.”

Badal also referred to an earlier attempt on his life at the entrance of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, where he was serving his penance in December 2024.

Badal links attacks to Punjab's peace

Speaking about the two incidents, Badal said, “These forces which have been prevalent before made an attempt on my life a year ago as well. They tried again. Their mission is to take control of the situation in Punjab and disturb peace, which as president of Akali Dal I will never allow it. Neither my father allowed it. Both times they attacked me in the holiest of places,” he said.

Doctors say Badal out of danger

Badal was taken to Yashosai Hospital after Thursday's attack, where he underwent surgery.

“The surgery lasted for an hour and a half. There was a tendon injury, and he had a sharp penetrating wound. His tendon was repaired. The plastic surgeon also repaired his ulnar artery nerve. He is out of danger,” a doctor at the hospital said.