"We are hurt, will make sure it doesn't happen again": Maharashtra CM on clash between BJP and NCP-SCP

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 19 (ANI): Refuting the recent altercation between BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar and NCP-SCP MLA Jitendra Awhad outside the Maharashtra Assembly, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the behaviour of both the MLAs was not acceptable and they both behaved like school kids.
Addressing a press conference, Fadnavis said, "We have condemned the incident. The behaviour of both MLAs was not acceptable. They literally behaved like school kids. We are hurt by the incident and will make sure it doesn't happen again."
Fadnavis addressed the media following the conclusion of the Monsoon session of the Maharashtra Assembly, highlighting the passage of 16 significant bills and decisions, including the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill.
The monsoon session of the Maharashtra Assembly was held from June 30 to July 18.
Speaking at a press conference, Fadnavis noted that the Assembly session saw the passage of several key legislations.
He said, "In the Assembly Session, important Bills, supplementary demands and important decisions were taken. A total of 16 Bills were passed. The Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, an important Bill, was also passed. We got the cooperation of the Opposition too for the Bill, but later there was pressure on them, that's why they opposed it outside the House."
Referring to a 2024 Supreme Court ruling on Scheduled Caste reservations, Fadnavis stated that the State Government would comply with the Court's direction.
He said, "In 2024, the Supreme Court passed a ruling wherein they stated that SC reservation can be granted to only Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs. If anyone converts, they cannot be granted this reservation. After conversion, their SC status gets scrapped. So, the State Government will order as per the Supreme Court order."
The Supreme Court ruled on Nov 26, 2024, that only Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs are eligible for Scheduled Caste reservation.
Fadnavis also expressed concern over the sharp increase in the number of Calling Attention Motions raised during the session.
"Usually, 3 to 4 such motions are taken up, but this time the number was substantially higher. We have requested the Speaker to regulate this, as ministers also require adequate time for briefings," he said.
When asked if the state government would stop the offering of flowers at the tomb of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, the Maharashtra CM said, "Aurangzeb is not the hero of India, there is no need to offer flowers to his tomb. The tomb is under the ASI (Central Government); in that case, the State Government will not be able to take any decision in this regard. I believe that history should be presented as it but false glorification of it should not be done."
On the decision to rename Islampur to Ishwarpur, he said, "Jayant Patil has raised concerns, which I understand. But the original and historic name of the place was Ishwarpur. It was a long-standing demand of the people, and as the government in power, we have acted upon it."
Fadnavis also criticised the Opposition's conduct during the session.
He said, "Opposition has left with no issues; they couldn't take up any issues inside the house with evidence. So just to make their presence felt, they used to do protests in different forms on the stairs of the Assembly"
He added, "We are satisfied with the work done during this session, but at the same time, we even regret the unfortunate incident that took place during the session." (ANI)