New Delhi: Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney has strongly condemned the attack on Shiromani Akali Dal president and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal at Takht Sri Hazur Sahib in Nanded, Maharashtra, describing the incident as cowardly and stressing that violence has no place in a civilised society.
Sahney expressed his condemnation in a post on social media, saying, “I strongly condemn cowardly attack on Sukhbir Badal at Hazur Sahib Nanded. Violence have no place in our society.” He also noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken to Sukhbir Badal to enquire about his well-being.
Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked on Thursday during a visit to the historic Sikh shrine at Hazur Sahib in Nanded. Reports said the attacker used a sharp-edged weapon, while security personnel intervened quickly and overpowered the assailant. Badal sustained an injury to his hand, while a security personnel was also injured during the intervention.
The incident has caused widespread concern because it took place at a major Sikh religious centre and one of the five Takhts of Sikhism. Leaders and representatives from across political and religious circles have condemned the violence, stressing that places of worship must remain spaces of peace, devotion and security.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke with Sukhbir Badal following the incident to enquire about his health. The Prime Minister’s intervention underlines the seriousness with which the attack is being viewed at the national level.
The attacker was taken into custody, and authorities have begun investigating the circumstances and possible motive behind the incident. Later reports identified the alleged assailant as 62-year-old Jaspal Singh, who had reportedly been associated with the gurdwara as a sevadar for around two years. The motive has not been conclusively established.
The attack has also renewed questions about security arrangements for political leaders at major religious sites. Reports noted that Sukhbir Badal has faced another serious attack within two years, following the 2024 shooting incident at the Golden Temple in Amritsar.
Sahney’s condemnation adds to the growing political response to the incident. The message from political and religious leaders has been broadly consistent: disagreements, political differences or personal grievances cannot justify violence, particularly inside a sacred place.
The incident has also raised concerns within the Sikh community about the sanctity and security of Gurdwara Sahibs. Any act of violence inside a Gurdwara is deeply disturbing because these institutions are meant to provide spiritual refuge, equality and peace to everyone.
Sahney’s statement therefore carries a wider message beyond political affiliations: violence must not become an accepted method of settling political, religious or personal differences. The attack should be investigated thoroughly, the motive established and those responsible dealt with according to law.
At the same time, the sanctity of Takht Sri Hazur Sahib must remain paramount. The incident should serve as a reminder that security at major Sikh shrines needs to be strengthened without disturbing the openness and religious character of these historic places.
The priority now, as emphasised by Sahney and other leaders, should be Sukhbir Badal’s well-being, a transparent investigation and ensuring that such an incident is never repeated at any Gurdwara Sahib or religious institution