BJP, NCP Supporters Clash in Maharashtra Assembly

• Violent clash between BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar and NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad supporters in Maharashtra Assembly.
• Altercation stemmed from earlier verbal spat and “Mangalsutra thief” jibe.
• Videos of physical violence circulating on social media.

GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 17th July: A violent clash erupted today between supporters of BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar and NCP (Sharad Pawar group) MLA Jitendra Awhad in the lobby of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. Shocking videos depicting the two groups pummeling each other, requiring security personnel to intervene and separate them, are now circulating widely on social media.

The altercation’s origins trace back to a verbal spat outside the assembly building yesterday, during which both MLAs and their respective supporters exchanged expletives.

The tension had been building for days. A few days prior, Awhad was captured on camera walking on the red carpet within the Vidhan Bhavan premises, uttering the phrase “Mangalsutra thief.” This jibe was widely perceived as being directed at Padalkar, though no specific name was mentioned. The video’s widespread circulation sparked considerable debate among the supporters of the two political figures. Today, the simmering animosity escalated into full-blown physical violence.

Following the incident, Awhad posted on X (formerly Twitter) about receiving abusive and threatening messages. Meanwhile, Padalkar later met with the Speaker and senior party leaders, expressing regret over the incident and offering an apology.

Condemnation and Call for Action
The matter quickly snowballed, with Awhad’s party colleague, Rohit Pawar, raising the issue within the assembly and demanding immediate action. Speaker Rahul Narwekar has taken serious cognizance of the incident, seeking a detailed report and promising a thorough investigation followed by appropriate action against those found guilty.

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum. Sharad Pawar faction MLA Sana Malik and former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray expressed strong disapproval. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and minister Ashish Shelar also voiced their displeasure.

“Such incidents on the premises of assembly are unacceptable and bring shame to our name,” Mr. Fadnavis stated. He added, “It comes under the jurisdiction of Assembly Speaker and Legislative Council Chairman. Both have taken serious cognizance of the incident which took place today. They will take strictest action against those who are found guilty.”

Uddhav Thackeray questioned the entry of such individuals: “Who gave these goons passes to enter the assembly premises?” He further urged, “Such incidents in the assembly premises are unacceptable and the Speaker should take action against whoever gave them passes… necessary action in this regard should be initiated… the Speaker, the Chief Minister and the Home Department should take cognizance of it… ultimately it is about safety and security of the MLAs.”