Mumbai: A fierce confrontation broke out between BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar and NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad on Thursday inside the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, signaling a significant rise in hostilities between their groups.
The confrontation, occurring in the lobby area, was documented in startling footage circulated on social media, showing individuals from both groups fighting and needing assistance from security staff. Tensions had been rising, starting with a verbal clash outside the assembly the day before, where both factions hurled passionate insults at each other.
Vidhan Bhavan Fight
The dispute dates to earlier in the week when a video emerged of Awhad on a red carpet at Vidhan Bhavan, where he mentioned a “mangalsutra thief,” a statement seen as a subtle dig at Padalkar.
The situation turned violent on Thursday, prompting Awhad to assert on social media that he received threats and abuse from "goons" outside the assembly. Padalkar conveyed remorse regarding the incident to Speaker Rahul Narwekar.
The event sparked criticism from all parties, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis describing the violence as “disgraceful” and vowing to take strict measures questioning the security measures in permitting people to enter the assembly. "The event that took place is inappropriate." This falls within the jurisdiction of the Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and the Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Council.
Therefore, focus on this matter should be prioritized. Such altercations must not occur in Vidhan Bhavan. "Therefore, a thorough inquiry must be conducted regarding this matter," states Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on the confrontation outside the State Assembly, allegedly involving supporters of BJP MLA Gopichand. Fadnavis also mentioned that this issue comes under non cognizable offence or cognizable offence bail-able under police station.
NCP (SP) Leader Jitendra Awhad Booked
A complaint has been lodged against NCP(SP) leader Jitendra Awhad at the Marine Drive Police Station in Mumbai, following an altercation that occurred between the NCP leader's supporters and BJP workers at the Maharashtra assembly complex, according to ANI reports.
The confrontation involving the backers of NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad and BJP legislator Gopichand Padalkar followed a tense discussion between the two MLAs.
