Mumbai

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Slams Shiv Sena MLA: “Unacceptable” Assault on Canteen Staff

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis responded sharply to the viral video of Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad thrashing a canteen staff over the alleged poor quality of food served to him. Calling the action “unacceptable”, Fadnavis said the act was “not honourable to anyone”.

“Such conduct does not send the right message. Such behaviour is unacceptable and not honorable to anyone. Gaikwad’s action as an MLA have tarnished the reputation of all legislators,” the Chief Minister said. Fadnavis’s statement was in response to Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Anil Parab raising the matter in the Maharashtra Assembly, accusing the ruling dispensation of political highhandedness.

“A wrong message goes among people about all MLAs that there is a misuse of power,” Fadnavis said, adding that if there are any issues regarding the quality of the food at the canteen, people can complain formally and action would be taken.

“But assault by public representatives does not send out the right message. This is a serious issue. You (council chairman Ram Shinde) and Speaker (Rahul Narwekar) take cognisance of it to take further action accordingly,” the Chief Minister said in the House.

Gaikwad, a two-term legislator from Buldana, seemed furious in the viral video after alleging the food, especially the dal, served to him was stale. He claimed that he felt unwell shortly after eating the food.

The Sena legislator, however, later said he didn’t have any regrets over his action. Speaking to reporters, he cited Bal Thackeray and said that those who are ignorant must be cracked down upon. He also said that he had raised the matter of poor quality food served at the canteen several times, but the operators didn’t take any steps to better it.

Gaikwad alleged that lizards, rats, and ropes were found in the food served at the canteen earlier.

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