Video shows BJP MLA kicking woman, says it was self defense
AHMEDABAD: A video of Naroda BJP MLA Balram Thawani kicking a woman — a ward-in-charge of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) — after she had fallen on the ground went viral on Sunday. Thawani and his aides are seen beating the woman, Nitu Tejwani, during a scuffle. Apparently, the woman had gone to Thawani’s office in Kubernagar area and threatened to sit on dharna outside his office if two days time was not given to some affected residences and offices before their water supply line was cut. The local BJP councillor, Balaram’s brother Kishor Thawani had last week gone to supervise the disconnection of an allegedly illegal water connection near Maya Cinema, from where the dispute had started. Allegedly, Kishor had heckled a person who was shooting a video of his actions.
Thawani did not deny that the incident had taken place. “I had not intended to do so, but I was heckled by a group and while defending myself, I kicked her by mistake,” Thawani said. The video shows Thawani in an orange kurta kicking the woman. Another person in a white kurta, besides Thawani is seen slapping the woman. Allegedly Nitu’s husband, Rajesh Tejwani was also heckled by Thawani’s men.
On Sunday, Nitu had gone to meet Thawani and had decided to sit on a dharna outside his office. “I had gone there to seek two days’ time from the MLA before the water supply line was cut,” said Nitu. “But soon Thawani and his men resorted to force to evict us. We were slapped , some even came with hockey sticks. I felt humiliated,” she said.
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अहमदाबाद के नरोडा ईलाके में पानी की किल्लत की शिकायत करने गई एक महिला को गुजरात भाजपा के 'माननीय' विधायक बलराम थावानी ने खुलेआम बेरहमी के साथ पिटा ! @dgpgujarat, @AhmedabadPolice आप तुरंत गिरफ्तारी कीजिए! यह हरगिज नहीं चलेगा! pic.twitter.com/6mV7EmC6KV
DCP Zone 4 Neeraj Badgujar told TOI, “I have seen the video on a news channel and I am yet to receive a formal a complaint in this issue.”
Thawani, however, said that he had already requested the Meghaninagar police inspector for intervention as the woman and 25 others had planned to sit on a dharna outside his office. “I had already informed Meghaninagar PI regarding the protest,” Thawani said.
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Hundreds of TVK supporters return disappointed from cancelled swearing in ceremony venue
Chennai (PTI): Hundreds of TVK supporters, fuelled by the hope of seeing their leader Vijay as chief minister, gathered at Nehru Indoor Stadium in the city on Thursday, only to be met with locked gates and a lack of information regarding the scheduled proceedings.
Many supporters, travelling from various parts of the state, near and far, like Arumbakkam and Coimbatore, expressed deep disappointment and confusion upon finding the premises closed and without official communication.
Speaking to PTI Videos, fans and party loyalists described a sense of heartbreak after arriving early to secure a place in line.
Charulatha, a supporter, noted the emotional toll of the situation: "We came with so much joy thinking he would become the chief minister today, but there is nothing here. The gates are closed. It is very painful."
Sai Deepika, her daughter and a student set to enter the 12th grade, shared her excitement for the event: "I was very excited to be here. I have been telling everyone he will win and do good things for the people."
A visibly distressed Gunasundari, a long-time political observer from a family of AIADMK supporters, stated she shifted her loyalty to Vijay: "I publicly say I voted for Vijay. I have a belief that he will help those in need. Seeing the gates closed like this is a shock."
Despite the confusion on the ground, the gathered crowd remained steadfast in their political choice. Several supporters highlighted Vijay’s decision to fund party activities independently as a key reason for their trust.
"He didn't take a single rupee from the people for his flag or the stage. He did it all himself," said an emotional Gunasundari. "Even if they try to shame him or create obstacles, he is the one who will eventually win."
Many attendees cited news reports and social media claims as their reason for arriving early on Thursday morning. Some supporters mentioned they had travelled via public transport and waited for hours under the impression that an official declaration or event was imminent.
"My son told me that declarations were made yesterday and everyone was coming today," Gunasundari added. "I didn't even tell him I was leaving; I just started my journey to see him in person for the first time".
