Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: AAP National Convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal condemned the assassination attempt on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, describing it as a “big conspiracy” to defame Punjab and Punjabis. Addressing the Delhi Assembly on Wednesday, Kejriwal praised the Punjab Police for averting a major incident and criticized the BJP for lawlessness in Delhi and other BJP-ruled states.
Kejriwal stated, “Someone tried to shoot at former Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal, but due to the Punjab Police’s alertness, a big accident was averted. However, it is clear that a big conspiracy is being hatched to ruin and defame Punjab and Punjabis, with major forces involved.”
The attack occurred at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, where Badal was performing ‘sewadar’ duties. The assailant, identified as Narain Singh Chaura, reportedly fired a shot that missed Badal after being deflected by a bystander. Chaura, a former militant with a criminal history, was arrested on the spot.
BJP Criticizes AAP Over Punjab’s Law and Order
BJP National Secretary Manjinder Singh Sirsa condemned the incident, calling it a “grave breach of security and sanctity” of Sri Harmandir Sahib. He accused the AAP government of failing to maintain law and order in Punjab.
“Ever since AAP has come to Punjab, gangsters are ruling from jail. Today, the law and order situation has deteriorated to such an extent that even a single person is not safe,” Sirsa remarked.
SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia echoed these concerns, alleging negligence by the Punjab Police. He claimed the accused had been conducting reconnaissance for days and questioned why no preventive action was taken. Majithia demanded a high court-monitored probe into the incident.
Criticism from Other Leaders
Former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi also criticized the AAP government, calling the incident a failure of administration. Channi highlighted growing public resentment against Badal while alleging widespread extortion and lawlessness under the current government.
The assassination attempt has sparked demands for greater accountability and transparency in Punjab’s governance, while the motive and potential conspiracies behind the attack remain under investigation.