BJP, NCP (SP) workers clash a day after altercation between Gopichand Padalkar, Jitendra Awhad
On Thursday evening, a physical altercation broke out as workers from both the parties came face-to-face at the staircase of the legislative building. The incident has its roots in the altercation between Padalkar and Awhad on Wednesday evening at the parking area of the legislative building, where both allegedly abused each other.
Maharashtra assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar has sought a detailed report on the incident, after Awhad informed the Assembly about the threats he had received and claimed that the workers had come to target him.
'They were here to target me. But since I had gone out after my speech in the assembly, they found my workers and beat them,' he said. Narverkar directed that he will ensure safety of every MLA and a detailed report should be submitted to him.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the incident. 'The Speaker and the Chairman should take a serious note of it. I have requested them to take a strict action. This does not reflect the culture of the legislature,' he said.
Former Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray demanded strict action against the goons. 'Those are not political workers, but goons. Is this what we have reduced to?' asked Thackeray.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Fadnavis, Awhad said, 'What's the use of becoming an MLA if they are not safe within the campus of the Legislature? If an accused under MCOCA can come to the legislative building, then it is important that authorities take serious note of it.'
Padalkar was called by state revenue minister and BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule after the NCP-SP delegation of Awhad and senior MLA Jayant Patil held a meeting with CM Fadnavis. 'The incident is unfortunate. I apologise to the Speaker and Chairman. I will speak to the media only after I have discussed the matter with the party leadership,' said Padalkar.
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