Assassination Attempt on Sukhbir Badal Sparks Political Storm; Opposition Alleges ‘State-Sponsored Attack’
New Delhi/Chandigarh: An assassination attempt on Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Badal during his penance at the Golden Temple has ignited a political controversy, with the Opposition claiming it was a “state-sponsored attack” targeting the “moderate leadership” of Sikhs.
The former Deputy Chief Minister was performing sewadar duties at the Golden Temple as part of penance ordered by the Akal Takht for alleged missteps during the Akali Dal regime (2007-2017). The attack unfolded when a man, later identified as Narain Singh Chaura—a suspected member of the Khalistani terror group Babbar Khalsa—approached Badal and brandished a firearm. Although a bullet was fired, it hit a wall. Quick action by devotees and police prevented further escalation.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann condemned the attack, crediting the police for their vigilance. Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar also praised the officers for their swift action but stirred controversy by suggesting the attack might have been staged to create a sympathy wave for the Akali Dal leader.
The incident has fueled a fresh wave of criticism over Punjab’s law and order situation, further deepening political tensions in the state.
Akalis Intensify Criticism Over Attack on Sukhbir Badal
Senior Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia released a video alleging that Punjab Police officer Harpal Singh was seen shaking hands with the attacker a day before the incident. “Why would an SP of Punjab Police shake hands with someone with a criminal history? If there were 175 police personnel present, why wasn’t this man caught?” Majithia questioned in an interview with NDTV. He also criticized Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar for his controversial “sympathy wave” remark, saying, “Mr. Bhullar, your uniform won’t last forever, but will you be able to face people and look them in the eye?”
Former minister Daljit Singh Cheema echoed the allegations, calling it a “state-sponsored attack” and accusing the government of conspiring to eliminate moderate Sikh leadership.
Majithia also drew a comparison with the 2022 killing of singer Sidhu Moose Wala, alleging a pattern of targeting dissenters. “You had Sidhu Moose Wala murdered by withdrawing his security. Now, anyone opposing Bhagwant Mann appears to be on his hit list,” he claimed.
Opposition Reacts
Both the Congress and BJP condemned the attack, highlighting Punjab’s deteriorating law and order situation. However, State Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring dismissed the Akalis’ conspiracy allegations. “The question is about the individual involved—his affiliations and motives. To suggest a plot against Akali leaders seems baseless,” he said.
AAP Defends
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann strongly condemned the attack, praising police vigilance for averting a tragedy. “We have instructed a thorough investigation and are closely monitoring developments,” Mann said.
AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal also lauded the Punjab Police’s swift action. “A major tragedy was prevented due to their exemplary work. This sets a benchmark for law enforcement nationwide,” he stated.
Kejriwal, however, criticized the BJP for remaining silent on crime in Delhi while commenting on Punjab. “In Punjab, we stopped a tragedy, but Delhi faces rising crime, daylight shootouts, and unchecked gang activity. Yet the BJP leadership remains quiet,” he said.
AAP MP Sanjay Singh dismissed the Akalis’ “state-sponsored attack” allegations as baseless. “Punjab Police risked their lives to save Badal Sahib. These claims are absurd and an attempt to politicize a sensitive issue,” he argued.
