Supporters of Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) MLA Jitendra Awhad and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Gopichand Padalkar were involved in a scuffle inside the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan on Thursday, just a day after the two leaders had a verbal altercation.
The incident unfolded on the ground floor lobby of the assembly building.
The confrontation between the two groups intensified before they were separated by onlookers. Security officials detained one person from each side. Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar took cognisance of the matter and has sought a detailed report, news agency PTI reported.
‘MLAs Are Not Even Safe In Vidhan Bhavan’: Awhad Alleges ‘Plot To Kill’ Him
Reacting to the clash, Jitendra Awhad alleged that he was the target of a premeditated assault. ‘If MLAs are not safe even inside the Vidhan Bhavan, what is the point of being a public representative? What is our crime? I had just stepped out to get some fresh air. I think they came to attack me,’ said the NCP (SP) MLA from Mumbra-Kalwa, as quoted by PTI.
According to news agency ANI, Awhad further alleged, ‘The whole of Maharashtra knows who the attacker was. We are being asked for evidence again and again, while the whole country has seen who carried out the attack. Goons are being allowed to enter the assembly and the safety of MLAs is in danger. I was abused, threatened with death. Abusive words like ‘dog’, ‘pig’ were used. Was this what was expected to happen in the assembly? I just came out after giving a speech and these people came to confront me. If MLAs are not safe in the assembly, then why should we remain MLAs?’
He even alleged a plot to kill him as he remarked, ‘I do not want to say anything. If MCOCA accused are coming inside (Assembly) and after the plan to kill me was foiled, they are trying to kill my workers, what can be an action more petty than this? If MCOCA accused can come in and hatch a plan to kill…I had been noticing for the past three days that these same people were watching me…But this has crossed all limits.’
Padalkar Apologises, Distances Himself From Maharashtra Assembly Clash
BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar, who represents the Jat constituency in Sangli district, told reporters, ‘I do not know anything about the incident. You can ask him (Awhad), he is sitting in the House. I do not know anyone who was involved.’
Later, Padalkar issued a statement expressing regret over the episode. ‘I am really saddened with what occurred here. This is an unfortunate incident…I express my regret and apologise,’ he said.
The clash followed a verbal exchange between the two MLAs outside the legislature building on Wednesday. A video clip of the incident had gone viral on social media. Awhad had accused Padalkar of intentionally slamming his car door, causing it to hit him. Padalkar did not respond to the accusation.
Padalkar has previously courted controversy over remarks critical of NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar and MP Supriya Sule, leading to strong reactions from the party’s leadership.
CM Fadnavis Demands Probe, Uddhav Asks Him To Take Responsibility
The clash prompted an uproar in the Assembly, with leaders from various parties raising concerns about security and crowd management.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, commenting on the matter, said, ‘The situation that occurred is not correct. This comes under (the purview of) Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker and Maharashtra Legislative Council Speaker. That’s why attention towards this issue should be given. Such fights should not happen in Vidhan Bhavan. That’s why a proper investigation should be done on this issue.’
Culture Minister Ashish Shelar demanded an investigation into how entry passes were being issued, amid complaints about overcrowding.
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, speaking to reporters, said, ‘If goons have reached Vidhan Sabha, then State Home Minister and Chief Minister should take responsibility for it. This is very unfortunate. Such conduct at the Vidhan Sabha is not appropriate.’
He added, ‘One must ask who authorised the entry of such individuals. Those who issued passes must be investigated. This is a very serious matter, and I urge the Chief Minister to take strict and immediate action against those involved. Vidhan Bhavan is a highly respected institution and its dignity must be upheld at all costs.’
NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule remarked, ‘Maharashtra is a very cultured state. We never insulted anyone earlier, nor today, nor will we do it in the future… People over here are also very cultured, and Maharashtra has always respected every language, every state, every province, and every person. It is very sad that if the CM of Maharashtra feels this way, and if the leader of Maharashtra will speak against its own state, then it is indeed a matter of sadness.’
Congress MLA Nana Patole described the incident as ‘inappropriate’ and said Speaker Rahul Narwekar had assured the House that suitable action would be taken.