Nanded: Former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab and Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal on Friday described a dagger attack against him in Maharashtra's Nanded as part of a "larger conspiracy" aimed at gaining control of the situation in Punjab.

Speaking to reporters upon his discharge from hospital, Badal maintained that the assailants' broader objective is to take over Punjab's political and social sphere and undermine communal peace ahead of the 2027 state assembly elections.

"Their mission is to take control of the situation in Punjab and disturb the peace, which, as President of Akali Dal, I will never allow. Both times they attacked me in the holiest places," he said.

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He stressed that the party remains firmly committed to protecting Punjab's dignity, unity, and growth, adding that while the Akali Dal is willing to make any required sacrifice, upholding religious and social harmony across the state remains its primary concern.

"I have never been scared, nor am I afraid now. Shiromani Akali Dal is committed to the brotherhood and pride of Punjab. Shiromani Akali Dal can make any sacrifice, but Punjab's progress and communal and religious harmony are our top priority," he said.

Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi contacted Harsimrat Kaur Badal via telephone to ask after Sukhbir Badal's well-being following the assault at a gurdwara in Nanded.

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Badal sustained a wound measuring roughly five centimetres on his right forearm after being set upon with a dagger, according to Nanded District Collector Rahul Kardele.

Both Badal and a police officer who sustained injuries while defending him are in stable condition and out of danger, the District Collector confirmed.

ANI