MUMBAI: A major scuffle broke out between two Shiv Sena MLAs of the Shinde faction in the corridor of Vidhan Bhavan over the approval of project files during the Maharashtra state assembly’s interim budget session on Friday.
Shiv Sena minister Dada Bhuse and another Sena MLA Mahendra Thorwe, engaged in a verbal altercation, which turned into a physical brawl with both attempting to push each other in the crowded corridor of Vidhan Bhavan.
Eyewitnesses reported that both MLAs exchanged insults and attempted physical assault, but timely intervention by bystanders prevented escalation.
Sources revealed that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde summoned both Bhuse and Thorwe for a closed-door meeting and reprimanded them, urging them to exhibit more decorum as elected representatives and avoid such public altercations.
“Chief Minister expressed particular displeasure with Minister Bhuse, emphasising that as a minister, he bears greater responsibility for his conduct and should not engage in disputes with fellow party MLAs,” a source said.
Following the altercation, Thorwe spoke to the media, alleging that Dada Bhuse had shown disrespect towards elected representatives, treating them akin to village head or sarpanch. Thorwe claimed that despite personal requests and intervention by CM Shinde, Bhuse had delayed signing off on a project file pertaining to Thorwe’s Karjat constituency.
NCP State President and MLA Jayant Patil raised the incident in the House, calling for an investigation. He expressed concern over the altercation occurring at the doorstep of the legislative assembly, emphasising the need for lawmakers to set a positive example.
Opposition Leader and Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar criticised the BJP-led Mahayuti government, highlighting previous incidents of violence involving Shiv Sena and BJP members. Dada Bhuse denied any physical altercation with Thorwe and declined to comment further.