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Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan turns into arena as supporters of BJP, NCP (SP) MLAs clash

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Mumbai, Jul 17 (PTI) Supporters of two MLAs, one from the ruling BJP and the other from opposition NCP (SP), came to blows inside the Maharashtra legislature complex on Thursday, a day after a heated exchange between the two legislators themselves.

Supporters of NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) MLA Jitendra Awhad and BJP’s Gopichand Padalkar were involved in the scuffle, and clashed briefly before onlookers separated the two groups, an eyewitness said.

Padalkar, MLA from Jat, tendered an apology over the incident after meeting senior BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule.

“It was an unfortunate incident. As a member of the legislative house I express my regrets. I apologise to the Speaker of the assembly and chairperson of the legislative council,” he told reporters.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis termed the incident as “absolutely inappropriate”. “Such behaviour does not suit the dignity of the Vidhan Bhavan. I have urged the Speaker and Chairperson to take the matter seriously and ensure strict action. The House is not a place for people to gather in large numbers and engage in scuffles,” Fadnavis said, talking to the media.

Sources in the BJP said that Padalkar, who had left the premises, was called back by minister Bawankule after the incident.

Speaking to reporters later, Bawankule described the scuffle as unfortunate.

“I discussed the issue with MLA Jitendra Awhad. Our MLA Gopichand Padalkar has tendered an apology….it does not suit the dignity and rich tradition of the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan that such incidents should take place,” the BJP leader said.

Legislative party leader of NCP (SP) Jayant Patil met security personnel, and invited Awhad to his office to seek more details.

Awhad, a former minister, expressed concern over safety within the legislature complex, after the scuffle which happened on the stairs of the main entrance and the lobby inside, adjacent to the internal staircase.

“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,” he claimed.

An official said two persons have been detained by the Vidhan Bhavan security staff.

The incident followed an altercation between Awhad and Padalkar at the entrance of the legislature building on Wednesday. In a viral video, the two were seen exchanging sharp words.

Awhad, MLA from Mumbra-Kalwa in Thane, had claimed that Padalkar intentionally slammed the door of his car after getting down, causing it to hit him. The latter offered no comment on the allegation.

Padalkar has been an outspoken critic of NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar and MP Supriya Sule. His past remarks against the Pawar family had drawn sharp reactions from NCP (SP) leaders.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray said action should be taken against the official who issued passes to those involved in Thursday’s clash.

“Goonda-ism has reached Vidhan Bhavan. This happened despite stringent security within Vidhan Bhavan premises,” Thackeray said.

The issue was also raised in the legislative council by Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Anil Parab. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said details will be furnished in the House.

In the assembly, MLAs cutting across party lines expressed concern over the overcrowding in the legislature premises.

Cultural affairs minister Ashish Shelar demanded an inquiry into the issuance of legislature passes.

Speaker Rahul Narwekar said he has sought a detailed report on the incident, and will take appropriate action.

NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar said the scuffle reflected the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. “Women and common citizens are no longer safe in Maharashtra. Now there are even planned attacks inside the Vidhan Bhavan. Maharashtra has become worse than Bihar,” he told reporters.

He alleged that the attack was premeditated, and specifically targeted at Awhad. “Instead of Awhad, our party worker Nitin Deshmukh was assaulted. He became an unintended victim,” claimed Pawar.

Padalkar had earlier used abusive language against Awhad, but his party leaders chose to ignore it, he alleged. PTI ND MR PR VT KRK

This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.

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