Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video According to the sources, Mr Eren has also alleged that he was then followed in to the members' Strangers restaurant by Mr Somyurek who, as the dispute continued, allegedly picked up the knife in a manner which, sources said, made Mr Eren feel "unsafe and intimidated". Mr Somyurek has insisted these events did not take place and several senior MPs called journalists on Thursday morning backing his version events, including that Mr Eren may have been alcohol affected, or was the instigator of the dispute. "There was no knife and no physical altercation – just a robust discussion about factional matters," Mr Somyurek told Fairfax Media. It is understood Mr Eren denies both the allegations and is prepared to outline his claims in a sworn statement.

It is also understood that he is considering reporting the matter to police. One MP who claims to have witnessed the incident and is close to Mr Somyurek told The Age on Thursday morning that "no violence occurred". Another said the matter appeared to be part of an attempted "factional hit" against Mr Somyurek, whose role in realigning the Victorian ALP has angered some within the party. Meanwhile, Minister for Consumer Affairs Marlene Kairouz told Fairfax Media: "I was present at the table in the dining room when a robust discussion occurred between colleagues in Turkish. I did not see a knife in anyone's hand and I did not see a physical altercation." If the allegations were to be proven, they would cause political havoc for Labor nine months out from the state election and at a time when Mr Somyurek – a factional powerbroker – seeks to realign the way the ALP's factions operate in Victoria.

The allegations will place Mr Somyurek in a difficult position, given he was removed from cabinet by Premier Daniel Andrews in 2015 after an inquiry into allegations he intimidated a female staffer. Fractious time The dispute comes at an intensely fractious time for the Victorian Labor Party, with Mr Somyurek leading the push to realign key factions in a manner that may undermine the authority of Mr Andrews and some of his key allies. The office of Premier Daniel Andrews was alerted this morning that Mr Somyurek and Mr Eren had clashed and were trying to confirm what happened during the pair’s altercation. The incident happened in the members’ dining room at Parliament House on Wednesday evening, but there have been wildy different accounts about what exactly happened.

Mr Somyurek is believed to have initially been sitting with Gaming Minister Marlene Kairouz and Labor MP Natalie Suleyman, while Mr Eren was near the bar. Adem Somyurek. Credit:Jason South It is understood that Mr Somyurek walked over to Mr Eren and whispered something in his ear, relating to factional matters. Witnesses say Mr Eren – looking ‘‘red faced’’ – then followed Mr Somyurek, sparking a heated discussion in Turkish. At one point, Ms Suleyman is understood to have joined the discussion. But one witness insisted there was no altercation. "It didn't happen, they were about a metre-and-a-half apart talking in Turkish through gritted teeth," the bystander said.

Out of order Question Time on Thursday began with Opposition Leader Matthew Guy asking if Mr Eren had been drinking and for how long before the incident last night. However, Speaker Colin Brooks ruled that the question was out of order. In response to Mr Guy’s questions, Premier Daniel Andrews said he would not stand Mr Eren down. The Strangers restaurant in State Parliament. Mr Guy asked Mr Eren if he would apologise. Mr Eren conceded there was an incident on Wednesday night and said he had reported it to the presiding officers.