Having recovered from the attack in Nanded, Maharashtra, Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal is set to hold a major public meeting in Punjab on Wednesday—his first since the incident. The rally is being organized in Malout, located in his home district of Sri Muktsar Sahib. This event marks his return to active politics in Punjab following the attack.
On Tuesday, a day before the rally, Sukhbir Singh Badal visited Takht Sri Damdama Sahib in Talwandi Sabo to offer prayers and pay obeisance. On Wednesday, he will meet party workers and supporters in Malout. During the rally, he is expected to interact directly with the workers and share his views on the current political situation in Punjab and the party’s future strategy.
**Expected turnout of 8,000 to 10,000 people**
Former MLA Harpreet Singh stated that the “Punjab Bachao Rally” (Save Punjab Rally) is being organized at the Dana Mandi to protest against the government’s anti-people policies and to strengthen the fight for Punjab’s rights. Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal will address the party workers at the event. A turnout of 8,000 to 10,000 people is anticipated. Special arrangements, including 5,000 chairs and fans, have been made in view of the scorching heat.
**Attack took place on August 13**
It is worth noting that Sukhbir Badal was attacked on August 13 at Gurdwara Mata Sahib Devan Ji Mugat in Nanded, Maharashtra. He sustained a severe injury to his right hand during the attack. He was immediately rushed to Yashosai Hospital in Nanded, where doctors performed a surgery lasting approximately 90 minutes to repair a severed tendon and the ulnar artery/nerve. Doctors later declared him out of danger. Sukhbir Badal returned to Punjab a day after the attack but was advised by doctors to rest. Now, following an improvement in his health, he has once again become active in public events.
In connection with the attack, the assailant was identified as Jaspal Singh, a Pune resident aged approximately 60 to 62. It was reported that he holds a degree in commerce and law and had been working as a *sevadar* (volunteer) at the gurudwara for the past two years.
