Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia has sharply criticized both the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over the recent attack on former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal. Majithia claimed that the situation in Punjab was spiraling out of control following the assassination attempt on Badal earlier that day at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, where he had been performing religious penance as part of a punishment ordered by the Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
According to the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the attacker, identified as Narain Singh Chaura, was quickly apprehended by the police. Fortunately, Badal remained unharmed in the incident.
Majithia raised concerns about the police’s failure to arrest Chaura earlier, especially given the sensitive nature of the location. He pointed out that the accused had conducted a reconnaissance of the Golden Temple premises on December 3, questioning the adequacy of the police deployment in the area. “Why was he not arrested earlier? What kind of police deployment is this? And you are praising the police? What shamelessness is this, Bhagwant Mann?” Majithia asked during a press conference.
In his remarks, Majithia also drew parallels between this incident and the 2022 murder of singer Sidhu Moose Wala, whose security was withdrawn before his killing. He accused the state government of targeting its critics, saying, “You got Sidhu Moose Wala murdered by withdrawing his security. Anyone who opposes Bhagwant Mann seems to be on his list of targets.”
Majithia demanded a high court-monitored investigation into the attack. “The situation is out of control. If the police had apprehended the accused two days ago, I would have said things were under control. A high court-monitored probe is needed. If the police knew this man was roaming around, were they waiting for him to shoot?” he asked.
In response, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann condemned the attack and called for a thorough investigation. Mann assured the public that such conspiracies would not be tolerated in Punjab. “This is an unfortunate incident. Due to the alertness of Punjab Police personnel, a major tragedy was averted. The accused was arrested on the spot. I am in constant touch with senior police officials and the Director General of Police. A detailed investigation has been ordered, and the motive behind the attack will soon be revealed. We will not allow such conspiracies aimed at defaming the state to succeed,” he stated.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that 175 police personnel had been deployed in Amritsar and promised strict action against those found guilty. “I strongly condemn the attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal. An unbiased investigation will be conducted, and those responsible will be punished,” Mann assured.
At the time of the attack, Badal was sitting at the entrance of the Golden Temple with a placard around his neck as part of the ‘tankhah’ religious punishment imposed by the Akal Takht for misconduct during his tenure as Deputy Chief Minister. In August, the Akal Takht declared Badal guilty of “religious misconduct” and ordered him to perform ‘sewadar’ duties at the Golden Temple. The Akal Takht cited “mistakes” and “certain decisions” made by the SAD government during Badal’s tenure as the basis for the punishment.
With inputs from ANI.