BJP vs NCP SP scuffle in Vidhan Bhavan: No visitors will be allowed during session, says Maharashtra Assembly Speaker

The decision comes a day after supporters of NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad and BJP legislator Gopichand Padalkar clashed inside the Vidhan Bhavan

Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar on Friday (July 18, 2025) said visitors will be prohibited in the Vidhan Bhavan during the state legislature’s session, and only ministers, legislators, their officially-designated personal secretaries and government officials will be allowed inside.

He made the announcement in the Assembly a day after supporters of NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad and BJP legislator Gopichand Padalkar came to blows inside the Vidhan Bhavan. A day prior to that the two MLAs themselves had a heated exchange.

Speaker Narwekar said a decision will be taken in a week on forming a legislature ethics committee.

Ministers will not be allowed to hold official meetings and meet visitors in the legislature complex when the House is in session.

MLAs concerned will be held accountable for the conduct of the persons accompanying them, he said.

Jitendra Awhad, Gopichand Padalkar express regret

Both Mr. Padalkar and Mr. Awhad expressed regret in the House over the scuffle between their supporters.

The Speaker said said Nitin Deshmukh and Sarjerao Takale, associates of MLAs Jitendra Awhad and Gopichand Padalkar, respectively, who were involved in Thursday’s scuffle and detained by the security personnel of the state legislature, will face breach of privilege of the House.