Attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal in Nanded: Nihang Attacker Arrested, Past Controversies Resurface

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked with a kirpan by a man dressed as a Nihang at the Gurdwara Mata Sahib Dewan Ji Mukat complex in Nanded, Maharashtra.

Key Highlights:
- The Incident: The attacker, identified as 62-year-old Jaspal Singh (a former Pune court lawyer serving at the gurdwara), attacked Badal around 1:45 PM. Security personnel immediately overpowered the assailant and handed him over to the police, while Badal sustained a minor hand injury.
- Political Reactions and Inquiries: Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Harsimrat Kaur Badal to inquire about her husband's health. Political leaders condemned the violence while discussing historical grievances.
- Resurfacing Controversies: The attack brought past controversies back into focus, including the 2007 Gurmeet Ram Rahim pardon controversy, the 2015 sacrilege and police firing incidents, and Akal Takht's subsequent religious penance (tankhah) directives issued to Badal.