Why did Maha Dy CM reprimand Sanjay Gaikwad for assaulting canteen staff?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Public representatives must maintain decorum.
- Violence is never an acceptable response.
- Formal complaints are the appropriate course of action.
- Accountability is essential for restoring public trust.
- The image of the legislature must be protected.
Mumbai, July 9 (NationPress) The Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, issued a stern reprimand to party MLA Sanjay Gaikwad on Wednesday for physically assaulting the staff of the MLA hostel canteen, claiming they served him stale food.
Shinde took this incident very seriously, delivering a firm warning against such actions in the future. He emphasized that as a public servant, Gaikwad should have pursued a formal complaint rather than resorting to violence against the canteen staff.
He pointed out that he will not condone Gaikwad's actions, stating that the assault was unacceptable. “The violence exhibited by Sanjay Gaikwad is indefensible. As a public representative, he had the option to initiate legal proceedings regarding the canteen's food quality, but resorting to physical violence is not an acceptable response,” Shinde articulated.
Furthermore, he reiterated that Gaikwad has been warned, emphasizing that violence is not an appropriate response. “The party will not stand behind such behavior,” he added.
Earlier, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the state council, asserting that the assault by Shiv Sena legislator Sanjay Gaikwad on the canteen staff was unacceptable.
He stated that the chairman of the Legislative Council and the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly need to deliberate on the appropriate actions against Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, who attacked a staff member at the MLA hostel canteen.
Fadnavis remarked that Gaikwad's conduct was undignified and detrimental to the image of the legislature.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Anil Parab raised concerns in the Legislative Council, questioning, “How can a senior MLA appear in a vest and towel and physically assault an employee? Are there any guidelines on legislator conduct? What was that employee's wrongdoing? This is damaging the reputation of your government,” he asserted.
He inquired about the repercussions for such behavior. “Will you continue to support individuals like this while governing?” Parab pressed the Chief Minister.
“The MLA hostel falls under the legislature's jurisdiction. If I were to physically assault someone within the legislature, I would be suspended. Therefore, send a clear message to the public by suspending this legislator,” he demanded.
The Chief Minister responded, indicating that if the food was unsatisfactory, a complaint could be lodged. “But resorting to violence and having it caught on video damages our reputation. This sends the wrong signal to the public. As an MLA, it is inappropriate for you (Gaikwad) to act this way in front of the people. The chairman and the Assembly Speaker should be informed and decide on the necessary actions,” he concluded.