‘Not scared’: Sukhbir Singh Badal after discharge from hospital day after attack in Nanded

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal was released from the hospital on Friday, one day after he was assaulted by a kirpan-wielding assailant at a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra. Dressed in a sling and accompanied by supporters, Badal made his first public appearance following the attack. He declared that he was "not afraid" and vowed to thwart attempts by his detractors to destabilize Punjab."Their mission is to take control of the situation in Punjab and disturb the peace, which, as president of the Akali Dal, I will never allow," he told the media, apparently referring to those he believes orchestrated the attack.Badal drew parallels between this incident and a prior assault he endured at Amritsar's Golden Temple in December 2024, stating that he holds unwavering faith in the protection of Guru Sahab, insisting, "I've always said that one who has the blessings of Guru Sahab can never be harmed, no matter how hard they try.

Everything is in His hands." He added that the Shiromani Akali Dal is dedicated to Punjab's brotherhood and pride, pledging its readiness to make any sacrifice for the community's progress and communal and religious harmony.