Sukhbir Badal attacked at Nanded gurudwara; PM Modi calls Harsimrat
Synopsis
For the second time in under a year, Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal narrowly escaped serious harm — this time at one of Sikhism's holiest shrines in Nanded. With PM Modi personally reaching out and the BJP joining SAD in condemnation, the attack has swiftly become both a security and political flashpoint.
Key Takeaways
Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked by a Nihang with a kirpan at Mata Sahib Gurdwara, Hazur Sahib, Nanded on 13 August at around 11 am .
Badal suffered an injury to his right arm but is reported to be in good health after hospital treatment.
The assailant was apprehended by Maharashtra Police , who have launched an investigation.
PM Narendra Modi telephoned Harsimrat Kaur Badal to enquire about Sukhbir's well-being.
This is the second known attack on Badal; a previous attempt was made at the Golden Temple, Amritsar in 2024 .
BJP MP Tarun Chugh and SAD leaders condemned the attack and demanded strict action against those responsible.
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked by a Nihang armed with a kirpan at the Mata Sahib Gurdwara in the Hazur Sahib area on the outskirts of Nanded, Maharashtra, on Thursday, 13 August, at approximately 11 am. Prime Minister Narendra Modi subsequently telephoned Harsimrat Kaur Badal — Sukhbir's wife and a Member of Parliament — to enquire about his well-being, according to sources.
What Happened at Hazur Sahib
Badal had visited Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib to offer prayers when the assailant, dressed as a Nihang, attempted to attack him as he was leaving the gurudwara premises. His security personnel intervened and foiled the assault, according to SAD chief spokesperson Arshdeep Singh Kler. Badal sustained an injury to his right arm and received medical treatment at a hospital. Kler confirmed that Badal is 'completely healthy and in good health.' The assailant was taken into custody by Maharashtra Police, who are currently investigating the incident.
SAD and BJP Condemn the Attack
SAD Vice President and member of the Punjab Core Committee Sanjeev Talwar described the assault as 'a direct attack on Sikhism,' and warned that it could be 'a conspiracy by those who want to take Punjab back to 1984.' Kler blamed 'anti-Sikh forces' for what he characterised as repeated attempts on the party chief's life, and appealed to Maharashtra Police to identify all those who conspired in the attack.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Tarun Chugh also condemned the incident, calling it 'strongly condemnable' and 'extremely unfortunate and concerning.' He said there is 'no place for violence at the sacred place of the Sikh Gurus,' and urged that differences be resolved through 'dialogue and discussion' rather than violence. Chugh called for strict action against those found guilty.
A Pattern of Attacks on Badal
This is not the first time Sukhbir Singh Badal has been targeted. In 2024, an assassination attempt was made against him while he was serving penance at the entrance of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The recurrence of such incidents has drawn sharp concern from political circles and the Sikh community alike. Kler stated that the Shiromani Akali Dal 'is not scared of such conspiracies.'
What Happens Next
Maharashtra Police are leading the investigation, with SAD pressing for a full disclosure of those involved in planning the attack. The incident is likely to intensify political scrutiny over the security arrangements for prominent Sikh religious and political figures at pilgrimage sites. All eyes are now on whether investigators can establish whether the attack was an isolated act or part of a broader conspiracy.
Point of View
But the underlying anxiety about the safety of Sikh leadership in public religious spaces is legitimate and deserves a credible, transparent investigation — not just swift arrests that close the file without examining the wider network.
NationPress
13 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Sukhbir Singh Badal at Nanded?
Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked by a Nihang armed with a kirpan at the Mata Sahib Gurdwara in the Hazur Sahib area of Nanded, Maharashtra, on 13 August at around 11 am. His security personnel foiled the assault, though Badal sustained an injury to his right arm and received hospital treatment.
Why did PM Modi call Harsimrat Kaur Badal?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi telephoned Harsimrat Kaur Badal — Sukhbir Singh Badal's wife and a Member of Parliament — to enquire about his health following the attack, according to sources.
Has Sukhbir Singh Badal been attacked before?
Yes. In 2024, an assassination attempt was made on Badal while he was serving penance at the entrance of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The Nanded incident is the second known attack on him within approximately a year.
Who has been arrested in connection with the Nanded attack?
The assailant, described as dressed in Nihang attire, was taken into custody by Maharashtra Police shortly after the incident. Police are currently investigating the case, and SAD has urged authorities to identify all those who may have conspired in the attack.
How have political leaders responded to the attack?
SAD Vice President Sanjeev Talwar called it 'a direct attack on Sikhism' and suggested a possible conspiracy. BJP MP Tarun Chugh condemned the violence as 'strongly condemnable' and called for strict action against those found guilty. SAD chief spokesperson Arshdeep Singh Kler blamed 'anti-Sikh forces' and said the party would not be intimidated.
