A clash broke out between the supporters of BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) MLA Jitendra Awhad inside the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly premises on Thursday, escalating tensions between the two camps. Shocking visuals of the brawl, which occurred in the lobby area, quickly surfaced on social media, showing members from both sides exchanging blows and being restrained by security personnel.

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The confrontation was the culmination of rising tensions between the two leaders. It reportedly began as a verbal altercation outside the assembly building the previous day, where both MLAs and their supporters hurled abuses at each other.

What led to the clash in Maharashtra Assembly?

The tiff began earlier in the week when a video of Awhad went viral in which he could be seen walking on the red carpet in Vidhan Bhavan and he was heard saying “mangalsutra thief,” a jibe perceived to be aimed at Padalkar, although he was not directly named.

On Thursday, the matter turned physical. Following the clash, Awhad posted on X, alleging that he had been abused and threatened with death by “goons” outside the assembly. Padalkar, on his part, met with Speaker Rahul Narwekar and party leaders, expressed regret over the incident, and issued an apology.

The controversy deepened further when NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar raised the issue on the floor of the House, demanding immediate action. Speaker Narwekar has since sought a detailed report on the altercation and promised a thorough investigation.

Leaders slam Vidhan Sabha clash

Leaders across party lines condemned the incident. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called the violence “shameful” and said it tarnished the dignity of the legislative assembly. “The Speaker and Legislative Council Chairman will take the strictest action,” he said.

Uddhav Thackeray, former chief minister, questioned how such individuals were granted access to the assembly premises. “Who gave passes to these goons?” he asked, demanding accountability and stricter controls.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on social media, asked, “What has become of our Maharashtra? In whose hands have we handed over this state?” He blamed the leadership across parties for inducting individuals who disrespect Marathi culture and institutions, using them for political vendettas and personal mudslinging. “Power is meant to be a tool, not an end in itself,” he wrote.

Thackeray also defended the past actions of his own party workers, who he said acted out of love for the Marathi language and not personal malice. Drawing a sharp contrast, he said the recent brawl was driven by ego and political insecurity.

Condemning the waste of public funds and legislative time, he urged the government to take firm action against its own members and warned of worse consequences if such incidents go unchecked.

Reacting to the incident, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said, “The dignity of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly has been destroyed under Devendra Fadnavis’s leadership. This is the first time something like this has happened in Maharashtra, people entered Vidhan Bhavan with weapons, carried out a gang war inside, and tried to attack each other. A serious conspiracy to kill NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad was uncovered yesterday. Who let these people in? Maharashtra is now a fit case for President’s Rule.”

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Meanwhile, supporters of the NCP-SP staged a protest outside the Marine Drive Police Station early Friday, demanding the release of party activist and MLA Nitin Deshmukh, who was allegedly detained after intervening during the clash.

Awhad led a sit-in protest at the rear gate of Vidhan Bhavan around 2 a.m., blocking a police vehicle and accusing the authorities of bias.