Congress slams BJP after Medha Kulkarni and Abhimanyu Pawar clash over seating in Mumbai

A political controversy erupted in Mumbai on Friday after an altercation broke out between BJP Rajya Sabha MP Medha Kulkarni and BJP MLA Abhimanyu Pawar over front-row seating arrangements. The incident occurred during a felicitation ceremony for successful UPSC and MPSC candidates, which was held in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Maharashtra Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal launched a sharp attack on the ruling party following the incident. Sharing a video of the altercation on the social media platform X, Sapkal claimed the dispute exposed the BJP's internal discord and "casteist mindset" to the public.

According to Sapkal, the disagreement over a chair in the front row quickly escalated, with accusations being made that the program was "a Maratha community event." He expressed disappointment that the personal rivalries and factional differences of the BJP leaders overshadowed the achievements of the successful civil services aspirants.

"Rather than discussing the students' merit, a dispute broke out between BJP MP Medha Kulkarni and MLA Abhimanyu Pawar over a chair in the front row," Sapkal said. He added that the subsequent accusations and counter-accusations completely undermined the seriousness of the program.

Sapkal also criticized Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for remaining silent during the exchange. He questioned why the Chief Minister did not intervene or take a clear stance despite being present as the entire episode unfolded.

"Is this the BJP's 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' or a new mantra of 'Fight over chairs and divide society along caste lines'?" Sapkal asked. He concluded by stating that the behavior of the BJP leaders was inconsistent with the progressive values of Maharashtra, demanding that Fadnavis break his silence on whether personal positions are valued above constitutional principles.