'What Childishness Is This?' Tensions Flare Outside Vidhan Bhavan As BJP MLA Padalkar & NCP Leader Awhad Trade Blows In Verbal Spat

A high-voltage political drama unfolded outside Mumbai’s Vidhan Bhavan on Wednesday after a heated altercation broke out between BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Jitendra Awhad. The two senior leaders were seen shouting, abusing and aggressively confronting each other at the entrance gate, bringing political tensions to a public boil.

According to Jitendra Awhad, the altercation began after the door of Padalkar’s car allegedly hit him. In a sharp reaction, Awhad confronted the BJP MLA, accusing him of disrespect and reckless behaviour.

“What childishness is this? They kicked the door and it hit us. Why put cars on people? I’ve lived in Mumbai all my life—this is no way to behave,” Awhad said during the heated exchange.

The situation quickly escalated into a verbal slugfest, with both leaders exchanging harsh words and abuses in full public view. Bystanders and security personnel were seen trying to de-escalate the situation, but the confrontation had already drawn significant attention.

Gopichand Padalkar, known for his sharp criticism of leaders from the NCP (Sharad Pawar group), has previously attacked Awhad and others in his speeches. However, this is the first time such a face-off has turned so confrontational in person, and that too on the doorstep of the state legislature.

No official complaint has been filed yet, but the video of the incident is already doing the rounds on social media, further fuelling the political firestorm.

Published on: Wednesday, July 16, 2025, 06:46 PM IST