Mumbai: Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad has sparked outrage after a video surfaced showing him physically assaulting a canteen worker at the Akashwani MLA residence in Mumbai. The incident occurred late Tuesday night after Gaikwad reportedly received what he claimed was stale food.
In the footage that has gone viral, the legislator can be seen slapping and punching the canteen staff, refusing to pay for his meal, and then striking a worker at the billing counter. He is also seen pushing others who tried to intervene.
Gaikwad, who represents Buldana and is serving his second term as an MLA, had been staying at the government-allotted accommodation when he ordered a meal of dal and rice. According to sources, he became infuriated upon finding the food smelled foul and stormed into the canteen to confront the staff.
Shameful conduct by Shiv Sena (Shinde) MLA Sanjay Gaikwad assaulted poor canteen staff over bad food, when he could’ve raised the issue through proper channels…
Is this how a public representative is expected to behave?
Let’s see if Devendra Fadnavis dares to act, or stays… pic.twitter.com/YhVfShiffA— Archana Pawar 🇮🇳 (@SilentEyes0106) July 9, 2025
The MLA later justified his actions, saying: “The food was stale.” Speaking to PTI, Gaikwad showed no remorse. “When someone fails to understand democratic language, then I have to [use] this language only,” he said.
He also claimed the assault had no political or linguistic angle. “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,” he added. The video has drawn widespread criticism on social media, prompting calls for action against the MLA’s conduct.
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