Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has lambasted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following a violent clash at Maharashtra's Vidhan Bhavan, accusing the party of inducting individuals with serious criminal records and calling for the dissolution of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s government to impose President's rule.

The scuffle, which erupted on Thursday, July 17, 2025, involved supporters of BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar and NCP (SP) legislator Jitendra Awhad, with videos circulating on social media showing the groups exchanging blows before security intervened. Raut described the incident as a “gang war” inside the state legislature, alleging that individuals facing charges for murder, dacoity, and under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) were involved.

“Is this the culture of RSS and BJP? Inducting people with criminal backgrounds daily?” Raut questioned, criticizing Fadnavis for failing to uphold the dignity of Maharashtra’s political culture. He pointed to recent controversies, including corruption and unethical behavior, as further tarnishing the state’s image.

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Raut demanded that Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan seek a Home Department report and recommend President's rule, claiming the ruling Mahayuti alliance suppresses opposition voices to avoid scrutiny. He also alleged a conspiracy to attack Awhad, claiming weapons were brought into Vidhan Bhavan premises.

The clash has intensified political tensions, with Raut’s call for President’s rule echoing his previous criticisms of the BJP’s governance and alliances with controversial figures, as noted in similar accusations in 2018 and 2022. The opposition RJD has also raised concerns about law and order, citing recent violent incidents across states.

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