Introduction

Indian politics is no stranger to high drama, symbolic protests, and intense debates. One such curious event unfolded in the Maharashtra Assembly recently, leaving both political pundits and the public baffled. NCP (SP) leader Jitendra Awhad staged a protest in the most unconventional manner — by lying down on the Assembly floor and appearing to fall asleep. This bizarre and theatrical move wasn’t just a moment of eccentricity but a political message targeted directly at BJP’s Gopichand Padalkar.(https://marathi.abplive.com/)

In this article, we break down what exactly transpired between Jitendra Awhad and Gopichand Padalkar, the deeper political tensions behind the event, and the real reason Awhad chose to ‘sleep’ as a form of protest. Let’s dig deep into this political spectacle.

Who Is Jitendra Awhad?

Jitendra Awhad is a senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) and an MLA from Mumbra-Kalwa constituency in Maharashtra. Known for his oratory, directness, and fierce opposition to BJP policies, Awhad has been vocal on a number of issues including caste injustice, minority rights, and social justice.

He has served in the past as the Housing Minister in Maharashtra and is often considered close to NCP chief Sharad Pawar. Awhad is not new to controversial protests — his political career is dotted with instances of strong symbolism and headline-making remarks.

Who Is Gopichand Padalkar?

Gopichand Padalkar is a Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council (MLC) and a BJP leader. He hails from the Dhangar community and is known for his firm stance on community reservation rights. He often represents the voices of rural and marginalized communities and is also seen as an emerging leader from Western Maharashtra.

Padalkar has frequently clashed with leaders from the opposition, particularly the NCP and Congress, over ideological and policy differences.

What Sparked the Controversy?

The spark for this latest showdown was a remark made by Gopichand Padalkar against NCP patriarch Sharad Pawar. According to reports, Padalkar accused Pawar of being anti-Dhangar and not doing enough for the upliftment of the community. He also allegedly made personal comments about Pawar’s age and health, which Awhad and other NCP (SP) leaders saw as deeply disrespectful.

Sharad Pawar, being a senior leader with over five decades in Indian politics, commands respect across party lines. Even political rivals tread carefully while referring to him. So Padalkar’s comment — widely seen as personal and demeaning — was viewed as crossing a line.

Awhad’s Reaction: Sleeping as Protest

When the Maharashtra Assembly reconvened, Jitendra Awhad entered the House and, instead of heading to his seat, laid himself down on the floor of the House. He closed his eyes, folded his hands behind his head, and pretended to sleep — an image that quickly went viral.

Many were confused at first, some thought it was a health emergency. But Awhad later clarified that this was his mode of protest against the disrespect shown to Sharad Pawar by Padalkar.

In his own words:

“When someone speaks against the leader who gave us political life and direction, I cannot tolerate it. If that’s the level of debate, I prefer to sleep.”

The Symbolism Behind the Protest

Awhad’s sleeping protest was not random — it carried deep symbolic meaning. It was a statement of disgust, rejection, and non-cooperation. By choosing to ‘sleep’, he signaled:

1. Disengagement from Disrespect: He refused to be part of a discussion space where revered leaders were insulted.
2. Passive Resistance: A form of Gandhian satyagraha — silent, non-violent, but powerfully symbolic.
3. Media Amplification: The visual impact of a leader lying down in the middle of the Assembly ensured media coverage and public curiosity.

In the age of viral visuals, Awhad used symbolism to send a louder message than any speech could have done.

The Assembly’s Response

The Assembly initially appeared unsure of how to react. Speaker Rahul Narwekar tried to restore order but couldn’t ignore the disruption. After multiple appeals to return to his seat, Awhad eventually complied, but not before making his point.

Following the act, several members of the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) and Shiv Sena (UBT) expressed solidarity with Awhad, criticizing the BJP for its “culture of disrespect.”

The ruling side, however, dismissed it as a “publicity stunt,” accusing Awhad of undermining the decorum of the House.

Reactions Across the Political Spectrum

NCP (Sharad Pawar Faction)

• Called Awhad’s protest courageous.
• Accused Padalkar of being deliberately provocative to distract from governance issues.

BJP

• Denied any wrongdoing.
• Said Padalkar’s remarks were issue-based and not personal.
• Claimed Awhad’s act was theatrical drama to cover the NCP’s internal crisis.

Shiv Sena (UBT)

• Supported Awhad and demanded Padalkar apologize.
• Accused BJP of destroying Maharashtra’s political culture.

Congress

• Stayed largely neutral but emphasized the need for restraint in language during debates.

What Was Padalkar’s Response?

Padalkar defended his comments, stating that:

“I spoke the truth about how some leaders failed the Dhangar community. Criticism in democracy is not disrespect.”

However, he stopped short of issuing an apology. He maintained that his criticism was policy-oriented, not personal, and claimed that the NCP was indulging in drama to deflect from real issues.

Public Opinion & Social Media Buzz

As soon as the video of Awhad lying down surfaced, it triggered a frenzy on social media. Memes, praise, and criticism flooded the internet.

• Supporters called him a “true soldier of Sharad Pawar” and praised his loyalty.
• Critics labeled it “melodrama” and questioned the seriousness of such political behavior.
• Hashtags like #AwhadProtest, #PadalkarRemarks, and #RespectPawar trended for hours.

Even common citizens weighed in, many expressing concern over the falling standards of discourse in Maharashtra politics.

Underlying Political Context

This incident should not be seen in isolation. It’s a symptom of deeper political fault lines in Maharashtra:

1. Maratha vs Non-Maratha Leadership Tensions: The comments by Padalkar reflect a growing frustration among non-Maratha communities like the Dhangars about political representation.
2. Fragmentation in NCP: With the party splitting into Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar factions, leaders like Awhad are under pressure to assert their loyalty and political identity.
3. Rising Polarization: The BJP’s rise in Maharashtra has increased tensions with legacy parties like the NCP, leading to more frequent confrontations.
4. Reservation Politics: Padalkar’s base strongly supports Dhangar reservation demands, and attacking the NCP is a way to consolidate his support.

Real Reason Behind Awhad’s Act

So why did Jitendra Awhad sleep in the Assembly? The real reason is a mix of political loyalty, strategic symbolism, and emotional outrage. He wanted to:

• Protest the personal attack on Sharad Pawar.
• Show solidarity with his mentor.
• Draw media and public attention to the “decline in political values.”
• Create a defining moment of resistance against BJP leaders whom he considers disrespectful.

His method may be unconventional, but it undeniably succeeded in sparking discussion and media coverage.

Conclusion

In Indian politics, symbolism often carries more weight than words. Jitendra Awhad’s ‘sleep protest’ against Gopichand Padalkar’s remarks wasn’t just a spectacle — it was a deeply personal, emotional, and political act aimed at defending the honor of a political mentor and making a statement against perceived disrespect.

While such dramatics raise questions about legislative decorum, they also underline the intensity of ideological and generational battles being fought in Maharashtra today. As Maharashtra inches closer to the 2024 state elections, such confrontations may only grow more frequent — and more theatrical.