What Caused the Clash Between BJP and NCP-SP Legislators in Maharashtra Assembly?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Safety of legislators is a growing concern in Maharashtra.
- Physical confrontations are overshadowing political discussions.
- Assembly Speaker is committed to ensuring security.
- Reactions from political leaders emphasize need for strict action.
- Incident raises questions about political decorum.
Mumbai, July 17 (NationPress) Supporters of BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar and NCP-SP MLA Jitendra Awhad were involved in a physical altercation on Thursday in the lobby of Vidhan Bhavan while the Maharashtra legislative proceedings were ongoing.
The issue was highlighted by Awhad, along with fellow NCP-SP legislator Rohit Pawar and BJP member Sanjay Upadhyay, who expressed their grave concerns about the incident and the safety of legislators within the Vidhan Bhavan.
This clash occurred just one day after a previous confrontation between Padalkar and Awhad outside the premises.
Awhad informed the Assembly about the threats he had faced, alleging that BJP workers had aimed to harm him. "They were here to target me. However, since I stepped out of the House after my speech, they found my party workers and assaulted them," the NCP-SP legislator asserted.
"If you are going to allow goons into the Assembly, our people are not safe. I posted about this on X. I faced obscene criticism. After speaking in the House, when I stepped outside for fresh air, I was directly attacked. Those goons had come to kill me," Awhad alleged.
Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar has requested a comprehensive report on the situation.
"I will take strict action regarding this matter. Ensuring safety in Vidhan Bhavan is my duty. It will be enforced. Legislators should not be concerned about their security," he stated.
Narwekar mandated that he will guarantee the safety of every MLA and that a detailed report should be prepared for him.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the incident.
"The Assembly Speaker and the Chairman must take this seriously. I have urged them to enforce strict measures. This behavior does not reflect the culture of the State Legislature," Fadnavis remarked.
Former Chief Minister and Shiv Sena-UBT President Uddhav Thackeray called for stringent actions against the perpetrators.
"These individuals are not political workers but rather goons. Is this the state we have reached?" Thackeray questioned.
In a conversation with reporters, NCP-SP legislator Awhad stated, "MLAs are not secure within the State Legislature premises. A goon enters, abuses us, and threatens us. What is the point of being an MLA?"
Padalkar was summoned by Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule after a meeting involving the NCP-SP delegation, led by Awhad and senior MLA Jayant Patil, with Chief Minister Fadnavis.
"The incident is regrettable. I apologize to the Assembly Speaker and Chairman. I will discuss this with my party leadership, and then I will address the media," Padalkar stated.