Maharashtra assures protection to NCP leader

Taking serious note of physical assault and threats to Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Jitendra Awhad, the Maharashtra government on Wednesday said adequate security will be provided to him.

Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse gave the assurance after NCP leader Dilip Walse-Patil raised the matter in the assembly, pointing out how Awhad was manhandled in Sangli this week.

Awhad, a prominent OBC leader in the state and an aggressive legislator hailing from Thane, has been receiving threats from certain elements over phone and even on social media.

Speaker Haribhau Bagade asked the state government to make a statement on the issue, following which Khadse gave the assurance to the house. The minister also promised a probe into the threats to Awhad.

The development came a day after NCP chief Sharad Pawar in a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep concern over the attack.

Urging Fadnavis to take note of the matter, Pawar sought adequate security and protection for Awhad.

Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil has also written to Fadnavis, demanding Z-security cover to the NCP leader.