New Delhi, Aug. 13 -- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday spoke to Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal over the phone to enquire about his health following the attack on him at a gurdwara in Maharashtra's Nanded, and termed violence over ideological differences "reprehensible".

In a post on X, Rajnath Singh said the attack on Badal was "extremely disturbing" and prayed for his speedy recovery.

"The news of the attack on Punjab's former Deputy Chief Minister Shri Sukhbir Singh Badal is extremely disturbing. In a democracy, any kind of violence due to ideological differences is reprehensible from every perspective. I have spoken to him on the phone to inquire about his health....