Arvind Kejriwal Accuses "Powerful Forces" of Plotting a Conspiracy to Defame Punjab After Attack on Sukhbir Badal

Former Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday accused “powerful forces” of plotting a conspiracy to defame Punjab and its people. The AAP Chief’s comments comes hours after a failed assassination attempt on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal.

"An attempt was made to shoot former deputy chief minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, but thanks to the quick action of the Punjab Police, a tragedy was prevented,” said Kejriwal, adding that Badal was safe and condemned the attack. The AAP leader further claimed that a larger conspiracy was at play. "One thing is clear, a big conspiracy is being hatched to defame Punjab and Punjabis, and powerful forces are involved in this," he stated.

In addition, he also praised the Punjab Police for their swift response, saying they had set an example for the world on how to maintain law and order. "The Punjab Police has prevented an incident and set an example for the whole world on how law and order can be maintained," Kejriwal added.

Kejriwal hit out at the BJP leadership for immediately questioning the law and order situation in Punjab after the incident. "When there are open murders happening in Delhi, shootouts taking place, the entire capital is under the control of gangsters, drugs are being sold everywhere, and women are being raped, the entire BJP, from top to bottom, remains silent," he said. "And when asked about it, they say that crime is not an issue."

The attack on Sukhbir Singh Badal occurred while he was performing the duty of 'sewadar' outside the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The assailant, identified as Narain Singh Chaura, approached Badal, who was sitting in a wheelchair. The shooter attempted to pull out a gun and shoot, but his target missed. A bystander quickly intervened and restrained the attacker, causing the bullet to hit the wall behind Badal. The police promptly arrested the accused from the spot.​