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NCP(SP) spokesperson Vikas Lawande was allegedly attacked with black ink by a group led by right-wing preacher Sangram Bhandare in Maharashtra's Pune district on Saturday. The attack was allegedly in response to Lawande's remarks on Bhandare's gurus, who are part of the Warkari movement.
According to Bhandare, the act was done because Lawande made derogatory remarks about his gurus, calling them corrupt and Manuvadi. Lawande had also referred to the NCP(SP) supremo Sharad Pawar's article on regressive infiltrators in the progressive Warkari sect, calling out several gurus and stating that the BJP and RSS are out to destroy the Warkari movement.
After the attack, Lawande went to a local police station to report the incident and demanded action against the alleged attackers. He claimed that at least 10-15 people attacked him, pointed a gun at him, and threatened to end his life.
Maharashtra NCP(SP) president Shashikant Shinde and NCP(SP) Maharashtra Youth president Mehbub Shaikh condemned the attack, with Shaikh criticizing Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for not taking action. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar also criticized the attack, stating that it threatens democracy and freedom of speech.
The police are expected to investigate the incident and take action against the alleged attackers. The NCP(SP) party has demanded immediate action and protection for Lawande, while the state government is yet to respond to the incident.