Maharashtra MLA Canteen Loses License After Assault Over Stale Food

Mumbai — The Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) revoked the operating license of Ajanta Caterers, the contractor managing the canteen at the Akashwani MLA hostel in Mumbai, on Wednesday, following an incident where Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad was filmed assaulting a staff member over substandard food. The FDA’s decision came after an inspection revealed violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Regulations, 2011.

The incident, which occurred on Tuesday night, gained attention after a video surfaced online showing Gaikwad, a two-term legislator from Buldhana aligned with the Eknath Shinde faction of Shiv Sena, physically confronting a canteen worker. In the footage, Gaikwad, dressed in a vest and towel, is seen berating the staff, refusing to pay for his meal, and striking an employee at the billing counter after forcing him to smell a packet of allegedly stale dal. The assault caused the worker to fall, prompting widespread condemnation after the video went viral on social media.

ALSO READ : Watch | Shiv Sena MLA Caught On Video Assaulting Canteen Worker Over Food Quality

An FDA team, led by Food Safety Officer RS Bodke, conducted a four-hour inspection of the canteen’s kitchen and storage areas on Wednesday. The team, consisting of six officials, collected 16 food samples for laboratory testing, with results expected within two weeks. Although no formal complaint was filed by Gaikwad or others, the FDA initiated the inspection in response to the public outcry over the video. The suspension order, effective from July 10, prohibits Ajanta Caterers from providing food services at the hostel.

Gaikwad defended his actions, citing the “Shiv Sena style” inspired by party founder Balasaheb Thackeray. He told the media, “If someone doesn’t understand the language of democracy, this is my approach. I am a warrior.” He claimed to have repeatedly complained about the canteen’s poor food quality, alleging that no improvements were made. Gaikwad vowed to raise the issue during the ongoing legislative session.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned Gaikwad’s behavior, calling it unacceptable and damaging to the state legislature’s reputation. “Assaulting staff is not the way to address grievances,” Fadnavis said, urging legislators to follow proper procedures. He emphasized that such actions send a negative message about elected representatives.

The incident has sparked debate, with opposition leaders criticizing Gaikwad’s conduct. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Anil Parab raised the issue in the Legislative Council, questioning how an MLA could act so brazenly while dressed informally. “Such actions tarnish the assembly’s image,” Parab said, demanding Gaikwad’s suspension.