Day after MLAs' scuffle inside Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan, visitors' entry to be restricted

Mumbai: A day after a scuffle broke out between the supporters and aides of two MLAs in the Vidhan Bhavan complex, the Maharashtra legislature will now have strict access controls and entry of people would be restricted during sessions.

NCP (SP) MLA Dr Jitendra Awhad and BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar had engaged in a verbal spat and their supporters came to blows on Thursday evening inside the high-security complex.

This was followed by a high-voltage overnight drama.

Dr Awhad launched an aggressive sit-in protest near the rear gate of the Vidhan Bhavan premises around 2 am after police began taking away his supporter Nitin Deshmukh. He physically blocked the police vehicle, demanding Deshmukh's release, alleging biased action by the law enforcement officials.

Deshmukh and Padalkar's aide Rishikesh Takle were reportedly involved in the scuffle. NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar was also present and was seen giving a dressing down to a police officer for his behaviour.

Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar and Legislative Council Chairperson Prof Ram Shinde took serious cognisance of the incident.

“Only ministers, legislators, their officially-designated personal secretaries and government officials will be allowed inside,” Narwekar said.

“This incident is extremely serious and unprecedented in the history of the House,” he added.

The Speaker further stated that their cases have been referred to the Legislative Assembly Privileges Committee for action on grounds of breach of privilege.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said what has happened is nor proper. “We need to introspect,” said Fadnavis after both the legislators expressed regret.

A First Information Report (FIR) was registered and two people were arrested by the Mumbai Police in the incident.

There is no need for members to bring intrusive outsiders here. If they do, they are fully responsible for their behaviour,” Narwekar said, adding that the presence of such individuals, without accountability, poses a risk to the security and dignity of the House.