Shiromani Akali Dal chief and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked at Hazur Sahib Gurdwara in Nanded on Thursday. The accused, identified as Nihang Jaspal Singh, was arrested
immediately.
The incident drew reactions from the BJP and the Aam Aadmi Party, with both condemning the attack.
BJP Condemns Attack At Religious Place
BJP Punjab in-charge Narinder Singh condemned the attack on Badal and said no one should be attacked at a religious place.
He said such incidents were highly condemnable and stressed that Sikhism has always taught peace and seva.
“Such incidents and such attacks have no place in any civilised society, especially when they take place at a religious site. Sikhism has always preached peace, service and the protection of society. I once again condemn such an act and hope that he is fine,” Narinder Singh said.
His reaction came after the attack on Badal at the Nanded gurdwara, where the accused was arrested immediately.
Akal Takht Jathedar Calls Attack ‘Highly Unfortunate’
Sri Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargajj also strongly condemned the attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal at Gurdwara Mata Sahib Dewan Ji in Nanded.
The Jathedar said such an incident at a Gurdwara Sahib, where devotees gather to pray for the welfare of all, was highly unfortunate and condemnable.
He said a true Sikh cannot attack anyone who has come to pay obeisance at a Gurdwara.
According to him, such acts hurt the dignity of Gurdwaras and the image of the entire Sikh community.
AAP Condemns Attack, Raises 2015 Sacrilege Issue
Aam Aadmi Party senior leader Baltej Pannu also condemned the attempt to attack Badal.
“An attempt was made to attack him, and we strongly condemn this attack. No one should be attacked in this manner. Such an attack should certainly not take place inside a gurdwara,” Pannu said.
However, Pannu also used the incident to raise the issue of the 2015 desecration incidents involving the Guru Granth Sahib and the response to protests during the Badal-led Akali Dal government.
He said the Badal-led Akali Dal had formed governments five times by seeking votes in the name of the Panth.
Pannu said that even while the Panthic government was in power, the Guru Granth Sahib was desecrated at various places in 2015.
He said people who protested peacefully against the acts of sacrilege faced water cannons and firing, in which two people lost their lives.
Pannu said the anger over those events continues to remain alive among Sikhs.
“That anger still remains alive in the hearts and minds of Sikhs today. They need to understand this,” he said.
