Attack on Sambhaji Brigade leader: CM Fadnavis assures of 'appropriate action'

Mumbai: The BJP has distanced away from the manhandling of Sambhaji Brigade state President Pravin Gaikwad, who is known for political activism and progressive thoughts, even as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured appropriate action against those responsible for the act.

Gaikwad was manhandled and his face was smeared with black ink during an event organised by the Fattesingh Education Institute and Sakal Maratha Samaj in Akkalkot in Solapur district on Sunday.

Leaders of the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi drew parallels with the murders of rationalists Dr Narendra Dabholkar, Communist leader Govind Pansare, writer Prof M M Kalburgi, and journalist Gauri Lankesh.

The ink attack was carried out by a group led by Shivdharma Foundation and the group's Indapur President, Deepak Kate.

“The accused have been arrested, and appropriate action will be taken in the matter,” Fadnavis told the Maharashtra Legislature on Monday. “What has happened is wrong,” said state Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, a former BJP President.

Shivdharma Foundation has been opposing the name "Sambhaji Brigade," claiming it is an informal reference to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and have been demanding that the name be changed to "Dharmaveer Sambhaji Maharaj Brigade.”

Ink was thrown on him for his reported remarks on Swami Samarth, who is believed to be a reincarnation of Shree Dattatreya.

“Gaikwad was pulled out of his car, pushed to the ground, and black ink was thrown on him, this was a murderous attack,” Congress legislature party leader Vijay Wadettiwar said.

He claimed one of the attackers is affiliated with a political party and has a criminal background, including charges of illegal possession of firearms and serving jail term for allegedly killing his cousin.

"Gaikwad is doing immense work in embedding the ideology of Shiv-Phule-Shahu-Ambedkar in society. Hasn't this misdeed been committed against him by troublemakers because he has exposed many through the power of his knowledge? This should also be investigated. Moreover, it is evident which party and ideology the person who committed this act is associated with. Therefore, the police should also uncover the mastermind behind this cowardly act,” NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar said.