Sun Dec 08 13:14:34 UTC 2024: ## Assassination Attempt on Akali Dal Leader Highlights Punjab’s Political Tensions

**Amritsar, Punjab, India –** Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal escaped unharmed on December 4th when a former terrorist, Narain Singh, attempted to assassinate him at Amritsar’s Golden Temple. Singh, identified by police as a pro-Khalistan sympathiser, fired a shot that missed Badal thanks to the quick intervention of a police officer. Badal, performing religious penance for past misconduct, was uninjured.

The incident has reignited concerns about the rise of right-wing extremism in Punjab and exposed the internal crisis within the SAD, a party facing accusations of prioritizing personal and political gains over the interests of the Sikh community. Critics point to the party’s handling of past controversies, including a pardon granted to a controversial religious leader and its response to a 2015 sacrilege incident, as contributing to its decline.

The assassination attempt comes at a time of significant internal strife within the SAD, which suffered a major electoral defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, winning only one seat. The party’s leadership is currently under intense scrutiny following religious punishments handed down by the Akal Takht, the highest religious authority for Sikhs, including a revocation of a title bestowed upon the late Parkash Singh Badal, Sukhbir’s father. The Akal Takht has also ordered Sukhbir to resign and elections to be held for the party’s top posts.

While the Golden Temple has returned to its usual activity, palpable anxiety remains. Many Sikhs interviewed expressed their disapproval of the Badals’ leadership and felt that the religious punishments were insufficient. The rise of pro-Khalistan candidates in recent elections further underscores the complex political landscape in Punjab.

Narain Singh has been arrested and charged with attempted murder. His son claims the attack may have been a reaction to what he perceived as lenient punishment for the religious misconduct.

The incident raises serious questions about the future of the SAD and the ongoing political and religious tensions within Punjab. Analysts suggest that the party needs significant internal reform and a new leadership to regain the trust of its supporters and its relevance in Punjab’s political arena.

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