Did Maharashtra's Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad Assault Canteen Staff Over Spoiled Food?
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Synopsis
A shocking incident has unfolded in Mumbai as Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad is seen assaulting a canteen worker, claiming he was served spoiled food. The incident has sparked outrage and raised questions about food safety in government facilities. What led to this violent confrontation, and how is it affecting the political landscape?
Key Takeaways
- Sanjay Gaikwad physically assaulted a canteen worker over food quality.
- The incident occurred during the ongoing Monsoon Session of the Maharashtra Assembly.
- Gaikwad claimed he was served rotten food.
- The video has gone viral, prompting political backlash.
- Public outrage highlights concerns over food safety in government facilities.
Mumbai, July 9 (NationPress) A political uproar has emerged following the release of a video capturing Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad physically assaulting a canteen employee at the state-operated Akashvani MLA Guest House in Mumbai. A surge of indignation and backlash ensued, yet he maintained a defiant position, asserting that he was served 'spoiled food'.
This incident, occurring during the current Monsoon Session of the Maharashtra Assembly, has attracted significant criticism from various factions and has quickly gained traction on social media.
The footage reveals Gaikwad, who represents Buldhana, striking and hitting a canteen staff member allegedly due to the substandard quality of food served to him, particularly a serving of dal that he claimed was tainted and foul-smelling.
The MLA's violent reaction has incited widespread anger and political rebuke.
However, in an interview with IANS, Gaikwad sought to rationalize his actions, asserting that the food was indeed unfit for eating.
"I ordered a meal from the Akashvani canteen -- rice, dal, and curry. After the first bite, I sensed something was amiss with the food. By the second bite, I had to vomit. The food was entirely spoiled, the dal was rotten," he stated.
He mentioned that this was not the first instance he raised concerns regarding food quality at the canteen.
"I have previously urged the canteen owner to provide acceptable quality food. Numerous individuals frequent this place -- do not jeopardize their health by serving subpar food. Your cooking includes 15-day-old eggs and rotten chicken, which is unacceptable," he asserted.
Further defending his conduct, the MLA remarked, "On that day, I also approached the manager with the food I received and asked him to smell it. He acknowledged that the food had a foul odor. I asked other canteen employees to smell it, and they concurred with me. Thus, I reacted in my own manner. If someone cannot comprehend Hindi, Marathi, or English -- or even my requests made with folded hands -- and continues to repeat the same error, I had to take these actions."
Gaikwad asserted that he was unaware of the worker's identity.
"I do not know the person's name or religion. All I recognized was that he was endangering my life, and I responded accordingly," he added.
As the video circulated, political figures, including those from Shiv Sena (UBT), condemned the MLA's actions.
In defense, Gaikwad recalled a past incident involving Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former MP Rajan Vichare, who in 2014 faced accusations of force-feeding a fasting IRCTC employee during Ramadan.
"He force-fed the waiter and assaulted him. At least I did not go that far. I did not disrespect the food. Furthermore, I did not commit any wrongdoing. I am indifferent to public opinion," Gaikwad expressed.
Point of View
It is imperative to address the actions of MLA Sanjay Gaikwad with an unbiased lens. While his grievances about food quality at the canteen are valid, resorting to violence undermines political integrity and public trust. We must advocate for dialogue and accountability rather than aggression.
NationPress
19/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the assault by MLA Sanjay Gaikwad?
The assault was triggered by Gaikwad's claim that he was served spoiled food at the Akashvani canteen, which he found unacceptable.
How has the public reacted to the incident?
The incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media and condemnation from political leaders across various parties.
What justification did Gaikwad provide for his actions?
Gaikwad justified his actions by stating that he had repeatedly raised concerns about food quality and felt his health was at risk.
Has this type of incident happened before?
Yes, Gaikwad referenced a past incident involving another politician, stating that there have been similar controversies in the political arena.
What should be done to address food quality in government canteens?
There should be stricter regulations and oversight to ensure food safety and quality standards are upheld in all government facilities.
