Political Tempest Erupts in Pune: MLA Bapu Pathare Manhandled Amidst Fierce NCP Factional Clash in Lohegaon

A volatile political scene unfolded in Pune's Lohegaon area as Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA Bapu Pathare, a prominent figure from the Sharad Pawar faction, was reportedly manhandled during the inauguration of a new party office. The incident, which quickly escalated into a violent scuffle between rival NCP groups, highlights the deepening animosity following the party's recent split.

The confrontation took place at the new NCP office established by local leader Mauli Raut.

Raut, who was previously associated with the Sharad Pawar camp, is said to have recently shifted his allegiance to the Ajit Pawar-led faction. This change in loyalty set the stage for the dramatic events that followed.

According to reports, MLA Pathare arrived at the inauguration event, intending to address the gathering.

However, his presence was met with immediate hostility from Raut's supporters, who began chanting slogans in favor of Ajit Pawar. The situation quickly deteriorated as verbal exchanges turned physical. Pathare alleged that he was verbally abused and physically pushed by members of Raut's group. His attempts to de-escalate were reportedly met with further aggression, leading to a full-blown scuffle.

Pathare’s own supporters quickly retaliated, attempting to shield the MLA and pushing back against the aggressive crowd.

Amidst the chaos, Pathare sustained minor injuries and his clothes were reportedly torn. The intensity of the clash necessitated the intervention of the local police, who arrived promptly at the scene to disperse the warring factions and restore order.

In the aftermath of the incident, both groups filed formal complaints with the police, presenting their versions of the events.

Speaking to the media, MLA Bapu Pathare vehemently condemned the attack, describing it as an act of 'gundagiri' (hooliganism) and a blatant display of political thuggery. He alleged that the assault was premeditated and possibly orchestrated by his political rivals, pointing to the larger game of political patronage at play within the party.

Conversely, Mauli Raut denied any physical assault, maintaining that only slogans were raised during the inauguration.

He downplayed the incident, portraying it as a mere exchange of heated words rather than a physical attack. However, Pathare's visible distress and the torn state of his attire told a different story, corroborating the claims of a physical confrontation.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the volatile political climate in Maharashtra, particularly within the NCP, as the two factions continue to vie for control and influence.

The Lohegaon clash underscores the escalating tensions at the grassroots level, threatening to spill over into more widespread instances of political unrest as the state gears up for upcoming electoral battles.