Shiv Sena MLA Caught on Camera Assaulting Canteen Staff Over Food Quality

Viral Video Shows MLA Sanjay Gaikwad in Altercation

A video has surfaced online featuring Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, visibly upset over the quality of food, physically confronting a canteen contractor at the Akashwani MLA residence in Mumbai. This incident adds to a series of controversial videos highlighting the misconduct of politicians in Maharashtra.

Gaikwad, who has served as an MLA from Buldhana twice, was staying at the government-provided accommodation for legislators.

Incident Sparks Political Controversy

This altercation occurred shortly after members of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) attacked a shopkeeper in Mira Road for refusing to speak Marathi, igniting a significant political uproar. Sources informed a news outlet that Gaikwad was dissatisfied with the food served at the MLA guest house canteen.

Quality of Food Under Fire

Due to the poor quality of the meal, Gaikwad reportedly engaged in a heated argument with the staff and subsequently assaulted one of the canteen employees. He claimed that the food, particularly the lentils, was of substandard quality, leading to his illness shortly after consumption. In the video, Gaikwad, dressed in a vest and towel, confronts the contractor, even shoving a packet of lentils towards him. Moments later, he punches the contractor in the face with such force that the contractor falls to the ground. As the contractor attempts to get up, Gaikwad strikes him again.

No Regrets from the MLA

Following the incident, Gaikwad was heard stating that he taught the contractor a lesson 'in his own style.' As the video gained traction online, he reiterated that the food served was of poor quality and vowed to raise the issue during the assembly session.

When questioned about his actions towards the canteen staff, Gaikwad maintained that the food was unacceptable and expressed no remorse, stating, 'I did nothing wrong. The food quality was extremely poor. I would do it again without regret.'

Political Reactions and Backlash

The incident reportedly took place at a government guest house where several legislators are staying during the Maharashtra Assembly's monsoon session. Priyanka Chaturvedi, a Rajya Sabha MP from Shiv Sena (UBT), shared a video showing Gaikwad allegedly assaulting the canteen worker for serving stale food. In her social media post, she criticized Gaikwad, recalling a previous incident where he threatened to reward anyone who harmed Rahul Gandhi, and pointed out the lack of media outrage due to his affiliation with the BJP.