On Saturday, police arrested BJP MLA Ganpat Gaikwad for reportedly firing shots at Mahesh Gaikwad, a leader of the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), at the Hill Line Police Station in Ulhasnagar, Maharashtra. Gaikwad and an associate purportedly suffered injuries from five gunshot wounds.
The episode unfolded during a discussion involving BJP MLA Ganpat Gaikwad, city chief Mahesh Gaikwad, and senior inspector Anil Jagtap at the police station. The Shiv Sena leader sustained severe injuries in the incident and is currently receiving medical care under supervision at Jupiter Hospital in Thane.
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis labeled the incident as “grave” and announced a high-level inquiry. “Everyone, regardless of their political allegiances, stands equal before the law,” told media persons.
Police on Mahesh Gaikwad vs Ganpat Gaikwad Incident
The police have registered a case of attempted murder and apprehended Ganpat Gaikwad along with two others. DCP Pathare stated, “Mahesh Gaikwad and Ganpat Gaikwad were engaged in a dispute. They visited the Hill Line police station to complain, but during the discussion, Ganpat Gaikwad fired at Mahesh Gaikwad and his associates. Two individuals sustained injuries.”
Uddhav Thakre’s Fraction on the Matter
In 2022, the Shiv Sena underwent a fracture when Eknath Shinde rebelled against then Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, forming a coalition government with the BJP’s assistance. The Election Commission had previously sided with Mr. Shinde regarding the party’s heritage.
Later that day, Chief Minister Shinde, accompanied by his MP son, paid a visit to Mahesh Gaikwad, who was injured and hospitalized. The Shiv Sena faction led by Uddhav Thackeray criticized the government for its inability to maintain law and order.
Anand Dubey, spokesperson for the Uddhav faction said, “The incident involving a BJP MLA firing shots inside a police station, targeting an individual closely associated with the Chief Minister and a former corporator, is alarming. Given that both parties hold power, should we interpret this as a disregard for the law? It seems both wings of the state government have faltered.”