A police complaint has been lodged against Sharad Pawar-led NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad at the Marine Drive Police Station following a brawl at the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan on Thursday evening between his supporters and those of BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar. The incident occurred around 5:45 pm in the assembly lobby as the session was concluding.
No complaint has been registered against BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar so far.
According to police, the altercation began when unauthorized individuals accompanying both leaders entered the premises without valid passes and started a physical fight, prompting security personnel to intervene.
Mumbai Police later booked Awhad for allegedly obstructing public servants during a protest outside the assembly. The FIR states that Awhad lay down in front of a police vehicle attempting to take away his supporter Nitin Hindurao Deshmukh, trying to stop the vehicle.
Although Awhad was not directly involved in the assembly scuffle, police reportedly used force against him. Sources also claimed that Padalkar’s supporters used abusive language against Awhad’s daughter.
The fight appears to be the result of escalating tensions between the two leaders. Last week, Awhad had called Padalkar a “mangalsutra thief” inside the assembly. On Wednesday, Padalkar allegedly hurled abuses at Awhad at the Vidhan Bhavan entrance. Matters came to a head on Thursday, culminating in a physical confrontation. Later, a vulgar post about Awhad’s daughter Natasha was circulated on social media.
Natasha Awhad posted a screenshot of the offensive comment on social media and tagged Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Mumbai Police. She wrote, “Like the king, so are the people! All are goons. I have no role in this matter, yet I am being dragged into it by these vile people. Fadnavis, Mumbai Police—just keep watching the fun.”
On Friday, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar confirmed that criminal cases had been registered against Nitin Hindurao Deshmukh (41), a supporter of Awhad, and Sarjerao Baban Takle (37), the maternal uncle of Padalkar. The matter has also been referred to the Legislative Assembly Privileges Committee for further action for breach of privilege.
Meanwhile, Awhad claimed he had received death threats, but Chief Minister Fadnavis insisted that such issues be discussed separately. Reacting angrily to the opposition’s uproar, Fadnavis stated,
“No one is barred from raising the issue of threats. But after the Speaker’s proposal, can we not move beyond politics? This incident has not only hurt one individual’s image but the dignity of the entire House. We must take this seriously. What will we tell the people of Maharashtra if everything becomes a political blame game?”
Speaker Narvekar condemned the incident as unprecedented, saying, “This is extremely serious and has tarnished the image of the legislature. The Vidhan Sabha is a temple of democracy, and members must uphold its dignity.”
The Speaker also raised concern over unauthorized access to the assembly premises and confirmed that criminal cases have been registered against 6–7 individuals involved.
“Members must take responsibility for the behavior of their guests. This incident is a reminder of our duty to preserve the highest standards of conduct in the Vidhan Sabha,” he said.
Narvekar also advised both MLAs—Awhad and Padalkar—to express regret in the House and ensure such incidents are not repeated. Both leaders later apologised and expressed regret on the floor of the assembly.
Denying any role in bringing supporters to the legislature, Awhad clarified: “I did not issue or recommend any pass for Nitin Deshmukh. I was not even present in the Vidhan Bhavan when the incident occurred. I was at Marine Drive. I only bring my personal assistant with me to the House.”
Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar-led NCP state president Shashikant Shinde alleged that legislative passes were being sold for ₹5,000 to ₹10,000. Supporting this claim, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Anil Parab alleged that such passes were being openly sold near Inox Theatre adjacent to the assembly complex.
“Everyone knows where, how much, and whom to pay at the outer and inner gates. We will name the culprits in an affidavit,” Parab said.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, speaking to the media later, condemned the incident, saying, “What happened was completely unacceptable. Such fights should never occur in the Vidhan Bhavan. I have asked for a detailed investigation.”
ENDS