CM Fadnavis Condemns Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad’s Assault On Canteen Staff

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday addressed the shocking incident involving Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, who was caught on video assaulting a canteen employee at the Akashvani MLA hostel in Mumbai. Breaking his silence, Fadnavis strongly denounced the act, calling it inappropriate and damaging to the image of the legislature.

“Such conduct does not send the right message,” Fadnavis said, emphasizing that the behavior was unbecoming of an elected representative. “Such conduct does not behove anyone. It impacts the image of the state legislature, and as an MLA,” he stated while speaking in the House.

Fadnavis advised that grievances regarding food quality should be handled through proper channels. “If there is any issue regarding the food, a formal complaint can be made, and action can be taken on it. A wrong message goes among people about all MLAs that there is misuse of power,” he added.

Addressing the broader implications of the incident, Fadnavis called on legislative leaders to act. “I request you (council chairman Ram Shinde) to look into the issue of MLA accommodation. If there are issues there, then action can be taken. But assault by public representatives does not send out a right message. This is serious issue. You (Shinde) and Speaker (Rahul Narwekar) take cognisance of it to take further action accordingly,” he urged.

The controversy erupted after a video surfaced showing Gaikwad slapping and punching a canteen worker over allegedly stale food served in his room. According to the MLA, he had received stale dal and rice on Tuesday night and, in a fit of anger, confronted the staff, forcing them to smell the food before physically attacking one of them. “I had complained about the poor quality of food two or three times earlier. This time, the food was absolutely unacceptable. I will raise this issue in the ongoing legislature,” Gaikwad later stated.

The viral video has triggered widespread outrage across social media and political circles. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi condemned the assault, saying, “If he did not like that food, then it is well within his power and rights to follow legal procedure. However, he chose to beat that poor man… it is extremely shameful.” The incident has sparked calls for disciplinary action, with several voices stressing that public representatives must be held to higher standards of conduct.

Also Read: Mumbai Simmers as Police Halt MNS Rally in Language Dispute