On May 9, 2026, Vikas Lawande, a spokesperson for the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by Sharad Pawar, was attacked with black ink in Mhatobachi Alandi village, Pune district, Maharashtra. The assailants were reportedly led by right-wing preacher Sangram Bhandare, who claimed the attack was a response to Lawande's derogatory comments about his gurus associated with the Warkari movement. In a viral video, Bhandare warned Lawande against criticizing the gurus, labeling his remarks as lies. Following the attack, Lawande reported the incident to local police, stating that he was threatened with a gun and demanded action against the attackers. NCP(SP) leaders, including Maharashtra president Shashikant Shinde, condemned the attack, arguing it represents a suppression of free speech and an erosion of democratic values. The incident has sparked criticism from various political figures, including Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar, who emphasized the growing threat to democracy posed by such violence.