(SP) spokesperson Vikas Lawande was allegedly attacked with black ink in Maharashtra’s Pune district on Saturday (May 9, 2026) by a group led by a right-wing preacher.

The controversy got triggered after the video of black ink flung on Mr. Lawande in Mhatobachi Alandi village went viral. According to the preacher Sangram Bhandare, the act was done for the NCP(SP) functionary’s remarks made on his gurus, who are a part of the Warkari movement. In the video, Mr. Bhandare was also seen asking why he targeted the gurus and warned him not to criticise them.

“Over the past few days, Vikas Lawande has been making derogatory remarks and allegations, calling our gurus corrupt and Manuvadi. How can we tolerate these insults? The allegations he is making are all lies,” Mr. Bhandare said while clearly warning the politician.

After the attack, Mr. Lawande went to a local police station to report the incident and demanded action against the alleged attackers, saying: “At least 10-15 people attacked me and pointed a gun on me. They were all goons and threatened to end my life. I am not going to leave till they are arrested. I will start a satyagraha at the station only.”

In the past few days, referring to the NCP(SP) supremo Sharad Pawar’s article on “regressive infiltrators in the progressive Warkari sect”, Mr. Lawande called out several gurus saying that “the BJP and RSS is out to destroy the Warkari movement”.

Last month, Mr. Pawar wrote an article highlighting the entry of regressive elements into the sect and also revealed the names of 40 “infiltrators”.

Maharashtra NCP(SP) president Shashikant Shinde backed Mr. Lawande saying: “Democracy has gone for a toss in this country. The right to freedom of speech is being suppressed, efforts are made to tarnish this tradition.”

NCP(SP) Maharashtra Youth president Mehbub Shaikh criticised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who holds the Home portfolio, saying: “The State is watching whether Home Ministry-led by Devendra Fadnavis takes any action to such violent incident or protect the culprits.”

Meanwhile, Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar said: “This is an attack on freedom of speech that threatens democracy. Such kind of incidents are increasing because certain groups expect others to speak as they want.”