Supporters of BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar and NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad clashed inside the premises of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Thursday, prompting concern and condemnation across party lines. The clash reportedly occurred in the ground floor lobby of Vidhan Bhavan, the state’s legislative complex, where heated words quickly escalated into a physical confrontation. Security personnel intervened and detained one person from each side. Videos of the altercation soon went viral on social media, drawing public attention to the deteriorating law and order within one of the state's most prestigious institutions.
The scuffle followed a heated verbal exchange between the two legislators outside the legislature on Wednesday. In that earlier incident, Jitendra Awhad alleged that Gopichand Padalkar had intentionally slammed his car door after stepping out, causing it to hit him. Footage of the altercation circulated widely, showing the two engaged in a tense argument. Padalkar did not respond publicly to the accusation at the time.
Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the incident and called for strict action. “Fighting within the premises of Vidhan Bhavan is highly inappropriate. This institution falls under the jurisdiction of the Assembly Speaker and the Council Chairperson. I have requested them to take strong action. Such behavior tarnishes the dignity of the legislature,” Fadnavis told the media.
Taking serious note of Thursday’s incident, Speaker Rahul Narwekar called for a detailed report from the police. "This kind of behavior is unacceptable within the legislative premises. We will ensure appropriate action is taken based on the report," said Narwekar, according to sources close to the Speaker’s office.
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief and Legislative Council member Uddhav Thackeray also voiced strong disapproval, terming the incident “goon-like behavior.”
"Who allowed such individuals to enter the premises? The responsibility lies with those who issued the entry passes. The Chief Minister must immediately act against the culprits. The sanctity of Vidhan Bhavan must be protected," Thackeray said, urging swift and serious action.
Speaking to reporters, Jitendra Awhad expressed deep concern over his safety. "If MLAs aren’t safe even inside Vidhan Bhavan, what message are we sending? I was merely stepping out for some fresh air when they tried to attack me," he alleged. Earlier in the day, Awhad had posted on X (formerly Twitter), claiming that he was receiving threats from Padalkar's supporters and feared for his life.
When questioned, Padalkar distanced himself from the incident. "I don’t know anything about what happened. You can ask him (Awhad); he’s inside the House. I don't even know the people involved," he told the media.
Padalkar, known for his vocal criticism of NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar and his daughter Supriya Sule, has previously clashed with opposition leaders, including Awhad.
Congress MLA Nana Patole termed the incident “highly inappropriate” and added that Speaker Narwekar had assured them that necessary action would follow.
After the incident, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule called Padalkar to his chamber. Thereafter, Padalkar expressed his apology for the incident before the media.
"The incident that occurred on the premises of the legislature is unfortunate. I am deeply saddened by it, and I offer my sincere apology," he said.
He declined to comment further, stating, "I will speak more on this after consulting with my senior leaders."
Speaker Rahul Narwekar reiterated that he had sought a report on the incident and would take appropriate action once it was received.
"The incident that took place in the legislature premises is unfortunate. I have sought a report on the matter, and I will receive it tomorrow. Based on that report, I will take appropriate action," he told the media.
He stated clearly that criminal action would be taken against those involved in the scuffle. Additionally, he emphasized that action would also be taken under the powers vested in him as Speaker.
"Such violent acts will not be tolerated in the legislature, and strict action will be necessary to prevent such incidents," he warned firmly.
