Chandigarh: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab on Thursday strongly condemned the attack on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal at Takht Sri Hazur Sahib in Nanded, Maharashtra, saying there is no place for violence at religious institutions.

AAP condemns attack on Sukhbir Badal

AAP Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu said the attack should be condemned in the strongest terms and stressed that the sanctity of Gurdwara Sahibs must be respected.

“The attack attempt should be condemned in the strongest terms. There is no place for such violence at a religious institution, and the sanctity of Gurdwara Sahibs must be respected,” Pannu said.

Badal was reportedly attacked with a sharp-edged weapon by a Nihang Sikh while he was at the gurdwara to pay obeisance along with his family. The accused allegedly used a kirpan in the attack.

Badal was subsequently taken to a private hospital in Nanded. He is reported to be out of danger and undergoing treatment.

AAP recalls 2015 sacrilege incidents

While condemning the attack, Pannu also referred to the 2015 incidents of sacrilege involving Sri Guru Granth Sahib and the protests that followed in Punjab.

He said the Shiromani Akali Dal should also understand the sentiments that continue to exist among sections of the Sikh community over those incidents.

Pannu alleged that peaceful protesters had faced the use of water cannons and firing during the protests, resulting in the deaths of two Sikh protesters.

“The pain and resentment over those incidents continue to remain alive in the minds of Sikhs even today. This sentiment needs to be understood,” he said.

‘No place for violence at religious places’

Pannu maintained that political differences or grievances should never be turned into violence, particularly at a religious place.

He reiterated that the sanctity of Gurdwara Sahibs must be protected and said no such incident should take place at a religious institution.

The attack on Sukhbir Badal comes months after he was attacked on December 4, 2024, while performing Sewadar duties at the entrance of the Golden Temple in Amritsar.