Pune: Sambhaji Brigade’s Praveen Gaikwad Blames BJP-Linked Individuals for Attacking Him

Pune, 16th July 2025: In his first public statement since the assault in Akkalkot, former Sambhaji Brigade state president Praveen Gaikwad addressed the media today, detailing the events of July 13 when he was attacked during a civic felicitation programme in Solapur district. The emotional press conference marked Gaikwad’s first appearance since the incident, where he claimed he was physically assaulted, black ink smeared on his face, and a suspicious black substance thrown over his head and body.

Gaikwad alleged that the attack was orchestrated by members of the Shivdharma Foundation, led by Deepak Kate, a man he described as having a “criminal background.” “I was invited to honor Janmejaya Raje Bhosale for his social contributions. The event was peaceful until a group led by Kate launched a cowardly attack on me. My face was blackened, I was shoved, and a toxic substance was poured on me,” he told reporters.

He revealed that his wife was also present at the event and described the ambush as shocking and completely unexpected. “There was no warning. Suddenly a group approached and began pouring oil or some poisonous substance on me. It has been sent for forensic testing,” Gaikwad said, adding that his colleagues rushed him into a car to ensure his safety.

Criticizing the event organizers for their silence, Gaikwad said, “Not a single word of condemnation came from the stage. I stayed there for nearly five hours, and yet no one even acknowledged the attack, no complaint, no support, nothing.”

Gaikwad further raised concerns over the politicization of the incident, pointing fingers at the BJP. “The entire assault was filmed and circulated by BJP workers as if it were a trophy. What should we make of this?” he asked. He also accused the BJP of shielding Deepak Kate, stating that despite multiple criminal cases, including a conviction in his own brother’s murder case, Kate holds a significant post in the BJP Yuva Morcha.

“Why does someone with such a serious criminal record hold party posts and have visible proximity to senior BJP leaders like Chandrashekhar Bawankule?” Gaikwad questioned, calling it a dangerous trend of legitimizing violence through political backing.

Seven individuals have been named in the police complaint related to the incident, and investigations are underway. However, Gaikwad’s press conference has escalated the political tension, raising broader questions about safety, political violence, and the culture of silence around such attacks.