Supporters of BJP, NCP (SP) MLAs clash in assembly lobby, CM warns of action | Mumbai News

Mumbai: Supporters of BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar and NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad came to blows in the legislative assembly lobby when the House was in session Thursday. It was alleged that Padalkar’s supporters intended to attack Awhad over a recent incident.CM Fadnavis said strict action would be taken against those involved, while the Opposition expressed concern over the safety of public representatives on the legislature premises.A few days ago, there was an altercation between supporters of the two MLAs after Padalkar’s car door accidentally touched Awhad while he was speaking to people on the assembly premises. On Thursday, the incident escalated into a full-scale fight and their supporters had to be separated by bystanders and security staff, while the incident was captured by media.While Padalkar said he was unaware of the incident, Awhad said, “I was threatened to kill… and goons were brought to assault me.”Padalkar’s supporters were more aggressive in assaulting Awhad’s supporters.After the incident, Padalkar refused to comment, stating he was unaware of any details. Visibly upset, Awhad said, “I was threatened to kill, abused over the messages, and goons were brought inside the assembly premises to assault me. They have so much arrogance of power. If MLAs are not safe inside the assembly premises then why should we be MLA.” Awad posted a message on his social media account that he had received reportedly from a supporter of Padalkar while attending the assembly, in which he was abused and threatened.While speaking to the media, Fadnavis said, “It was an unfortunate incident. The premises where the incident took place comes under the jurisdiction of the Speaker and the Chairman of the Legislative Assembly and Council. I urged them to take serious note of it and take strong action. People entered the premises and engaged in fighting; such actions will not be tolerated, and action will be taken in the incident.”Shiv Sena-UBT chief and Member of Legislative Council Uddhav Thackeray said, “If the gundagiri reached Vidhan Bhavan, how did they get passes?. If this is the state of affairs in the state, then what is the point of having a Vidhan Bhavan?. The CM should act against goons strongly, and take action against those who had given them passes to enter inside.”Without naming Padalkar, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar stated that a few days ago, when Awhad was speaking with people inside the assembly premises, the car of the ruling party MLA came at full speed, almost hitting them. The MLA then hastily opened the door, which struck Awhad, leading to a minor altercation between the supporters. The ruling party MLA threatened Awhad but he controlled his supporters.Rohit said, “Today, the goons were brought in to take revenge and with intention of assaulting Awhad inside the assembly premises.”Mumbai: Supporters of BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar and NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad came to blows in the legislative assembly lobby when the House was in session Thursday. It was alleged that Padalkar’s supporters intended to attack Awhad over a recent incident.CM Fadnavis said strict action would be taken against those involved, while the Opposition expressed concern over the safety of public representatives on the legislature premises.A few days ago, there was an altercation between supporters of the two MLAs after Padalkar’s car door accidentally touched Awhad while he was speaking to people on the assembly premises. On Thursday, the incident escalated into a full-scale fight and their supporters had to be separated by bystanders and security staff, while the incident was captured by media.While Padalkar said he was unaware of the incident, Awhad said, “I was threatened to kill… and goons were brought to assault me.”Padalkar’s supporters were more aggressive in assaulting Awhad’s supporters.After the incident, Padalkar refused to comment, stating he was unaware of any details. Visibly upset, Awhad said, “I was threatened to kill, abused over the messages, and goons were brought inside the assembly premises to assault me. They have so much arrogance of power. If MLAs are not safe inside the assembly premises then why should we be MLA.” Awad posted a message on his social media account that he had received reportedly from a supporter of Padalkar while attending the assembly, in which he was abused and threatened.While speaking to the media, Fadnavis said, “It was an unfortunate incident. The premises where the incident took place comes under the jurisdiction of the Speaker and the Chairman of the Legislative Assembly and Council. I urged them to take serious note of it and take strong action. People entered the premises and engaged in fighting; such actions will not be tolerated, and action will be taken in the incident.”Shiv Sena-UBT chief and Member of Legislative Council Uddhav Thackeray said, “If the gundagiri reached Vidhan Bhavan, how did they get passes?. If this is the state of affairs in the state, then what is the point of having a Vidhan Bhavan?. The CM should act against goons strongly, and take action against those who had given them passes to enter inside.”Without naming Padalkar, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar stated that a few days ago, when Awhad was speaking with people inside the assembly premises, the car of the ruling party MLA came at full speed, almost hitting them. The MLA then hastily opened the door, which struck Awhad, leading to a minor altercation between the supporters. The ruling party MLA threatened Awhad but he controlled his supporters.Rohit said, “Today, the goons were brought in to take revenge and with intention of assaulting Awhad inside the assembly premises.”