Speaker (SP) Vikas Lawande was allegedly attacked with black ink in Maharashtra’s Pune district by a group led by a right-wing preacher on Saturday (May 9, 2026).
The controversy erupted after a video of black ink thrown at Mr Lawande in Mhatobachi Alandi village went viral. According to preacher Sangram Bhandare, the act was carried out because of the NCP(SP) functionary’s remarks against his gurus, who are part of the Warkari movement. The video also showed Mr Bhandare questioning why he targeted the gurus and warning him not to criticize them.
“For the last few days, Vikas Lawande has been making derogatory remarks and allegations, calling our gurus corrupt and Manuvadi. How can we tolerate these insults? The allegations he is making are all lies,” Mr Bhandare said, clearly warning the politician.
After the attack, Mr Lawande went to the local police station to report the incident and demanded action against the alleged attackers, saying, “At least 10-15 people attacked me and pointed a gun at me. They were all miscreants and threatened to end my life. I will not leave until they are arrested. I will start satyagraha only at the station.”
In the past few days, referring to NCP(SP) supremo Sharad Pawar’s article on “regressive infiltrators in the progressive Warkari sect”, Mr Lawande called several gurus who said “BJP and RSS want to destroy the Warkari movement”.
Last month, Mr. Pawar wrote an article highlighting the entry of regressive elements into the sect and also revealed the names of 40 “infiltrators”.
Maharashtra NCP(SP) president Shashikant Shinde supported Mr Lawande saying, “Democracy has gone up in flames in this country. The right to freedom of expression is being suppressed, efforts are being made to tarnish this tradition.”
NCP(SP) Maharashtra Youth President Mehbub Shaikh slammed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is in charge of the Home Ministry, saying, “The state is watching whether the Devendra Fadnavis-led Home Ministry will take any action on such a violent incident or protect the culprits.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar said, “This is an attack on freedom of speech that threatens democracy. Such incidents are increasing because certain groups expect others to speak as they wish.”
Published – 09 May 2026 21:50 IST
