A video went viral of a Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) MLA from Naroda Gujarat, Balram Thawani kicking a woman leader of National Congress Party, Nitu Tejwani on Sunday. Ward in-charge of the NCP, Tejwani had reportedly gone to Thawani’s office to consult him regarding a local area issue.
She had gone to Thawani’s office in Kubernagar area in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. She also threatened Thawani to protest outside his office if restoration of water pipeline isn’t done in two days’ time in affected residences and offices.
“I went to meet Balram to discuss the lack of proper water in the area. Without saying anything, he (Balram) came and started slapping and thrashing me. When my husband saw this, he came to my rescue. Immediately, some of Balram’s supporters came from inside and started thrashing my husband with sticks. Ladies who were protesting along with me were also brutally beaten up by Balram and his supporters,” Tejwani told ANI. She had also registered a complaint with the police.
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On the other hand, Thawani told TOI, “I had not intended to do so, but I was heckled by a group and while defending myself, I kicked her by mistake.”
“I got swayed by emotions, I accept the mistake, and it was not intentional. I have been in politics for the last 22 years, such a thing has never happened before and I will say sorry to her,” he said, ANI reported.
Witnesses say that Tejwani was being beaten up and manhandled by another man when he came out of his office and saw this happening then instead of helping her, he joined the assaulters.
Reports also state that he claims that he acted out of ‘self-defense’ as he was hit first in his office. He also said that the woman was attacked ‘by mistake’. It has also been alleged that Tejwani’s husband Rajesh Tejwani was also harassed by Thawani’s men a few days back.
“I went to meet Balram to discuss the lack of proper water in the area. Without saying anything, he (Balram) came and started slapping and thrashing me. When my husband saw this, he came to my rescue. Immediately, some of Balram’s supporters came from inside and started thrashing my husband with sticks.
NCP leader and MP from Baramati, Supriya Sule also condemned the attack on Tejwani as she tweeted, “Strongly Condemn the attack by BJP MLA Balram Tawani on NCP Gujarat Party Worker Ms Nitu Tejwani in Naroda, Gujarat. Nitu was demanding the restoration of a water pipeline. In a democracy, every individual has the right to protest, and the use of violence to quell the voice of opposition is unacceptable.”
Congress party has demanded an apology from BJP which is currently ruling in the state. “The video which surfaced is very painful and should be condemned in strictest terms. Women need to be protected from the leaders of BJP. BJP should take strict against this MLA. The Chief Minister as the leader should apologize,” said Rajeev Satav, the Congress party's Gujarat-in-Charge.
Picture credit: Live India
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