Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad (from the Eknath Shinde-led faction) has landed in controversy again after a video showing him assaulting a canteen employee at the MLA Hostel in Mumbai went viral on Tuesday. His justification: the dal-rice served was stale and foul-smelling.
What the Video Shows:
In the viral footage, Gaikwad is seen:
- Verbally abusing the canteen operator
- Slapping a staffer at the billing counter
- Shoving others present at the canteen
- Refusing to pay the food bill and instructing others not to pay either
Gaikwad can also be seen holding up a food packet in the video, allegedly showing the stale dal.
Gaikwad’s Justification:
Unrepentant, the legislator told media:
“When someone fails to understand democratic language, then I have to use this language only.”
He insisted his assault was not motivated by language or community identity, saying:
“I didn’t thrash him seeing whether he is Marathi or Hindi-speaking… I had complained to concerned authorities on several occasions. I will repeat it.”
Gaikwad said he now plans to raise the issue of food quality in the ongoing monsoon session of the Maharashtra Assembly.
Past Controversies:
Gaikwad is no stranger to controversy. In 2023, he made headlines for offering a ₹11 lakh reward to anyone who could cut off Rahul Gandhi’s tongue, after the Congress leader’s remarks about reservations. That incendiary statement drew widespread condemnation at the time.
Opposition Reaction:
The Congress party and several opposition leaders have slammed Gaikwad’s latest actions, calling it an abuse of power and a threat to democratic norms.
They’ve also questioned Deputy CM Eknath Shinde’s silence, as Gaikwad is a member of his faction of Shiv Sena.
Public Backlash:
The video has triggered outrage online, with netizens demanding action against the MLA for what many are calling “criminal assault” and “VIP high-handedness”.
Calls for an apology, suspension, or even criminal prosecution are being amplified on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
What’s Next:
As of now:
- No police case has been registered
- The Maharashtra government has not issued a formal response
- Canteen staff remain tight-lipped under pressure, say insiders
Whether the Assembly takes up the matter seriously or brushes it under the carpet remains to be seen.
Bottom Line:
Sanjay Gaikwad’s assault on canteen staff over stale food has once again ignited debate over power misuse by elected officials in India. His unapologetic stance, paired with a history of incendiary comments, raises serious concerns about accountability and the normalization of political violence.