<p>Ramdas Athawale, Union minister of state for social justice and empowerment, was reportedly assaulted at a public function in the Ambernath suburbs of Mumbai.<br />The security breach involving a central minister has rattled the Maharashtra government.<br />On Saturday evening, a youth identified as Pravin Gosavi, attempted to slap Athawale, who is the president of RPI.<br />The incident occurred at Ambernath in Thane district, nearly 60 km from downtown Mumbai. Athawale’s supporters came close <br />and prevented any physical harm to the minister.<br />Gosavi, who is an activist belonging to Athawale faction of RPI, was thrashed by party men, following which he had been admitted to a hospital.<br /> Athawale, a Rajya Sabha member, plans to meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and discuss the incident and the security breach.<br />“I appeal all to keep calm...,” Athawale said.<br />According to Athawale, police did not give adequate protection to him which enabled the assailant to come close.<br />“My popularity is growing and that could be one of the reason the person charged towards me,” he said. “I will meet the chief minister and request for an investigation. I have no enmity towards anyone,” he added.<br />RPI (Athawale) activists also forced a bandh in parts of Ambernath on Sunday.<br />While the motive behind the attack is not yet know, heavy security has been deployed in Ambernath and neighbouring areas.</p>
<p>Ramdas Athawale, Union minister of state for social justice and empowerment, was reportedly assaulted at a public function in the Ambernath suburbs of Mumbai.<br />The security breach involving a central minister has rattled the Maharashtra government.<br />On Saturday evening, a youth identified as Pravin Gosavi, attempted to slap Athawale, who is the president of RPI.<br />The incident occurred at Ambernath in Thane district, nearly 60 km from downtown Mumbai. Athawale’s supporters came close <br />and prevented any physical harm to the minister.<br />Gosavi, who is an activist belonging to Athawale faction of RPI, was thrashed by party men, following which he had been admitted to a hospital.<br /> Athawale, a Rajya Sabha member, plans to meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and discuss the incident and the security breach.<br />“I appeal all to keep calm...,” Athawale said.<br />According to Athawale, police did not give adequate protection to him which enabled the assailant to come close.<br />“My popularity is growing and that could be one of the reason the person charged towards me,” he said. “I will meet the chief minister and request for an investigation. I have no enmity towards anyone,” he added.<br />RPI (Athawale) activists also forced a bandh in parts of Ambernath on Sunday.<br />While the motive behind the attack is not yet know, heavy security has been deployed in Ambernath and neighbouring areas.</p>
