Does Sena MLA Have a Sharper Sense of Smell?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Shiv Sena (UBT) criticizes Buldhana MLA Sanjay Gaikwad for assaulting a canteen worker over stale food. The party questions the lack of police action and highlights serious governance issues in Maharashtra. This editorial takes a deep dive into the political implications of such incidents, challenging the perceived silence of leadership.
Key Takeaways
- MLA Sanjay Gaikwad criticized for assaulting a canteen worker.
- Saamana questions lack of police action.
- Editorial highlights significant governance failures in Maharashtra.
- Calls for accountability among political leaders.
- Contrasts serious issues with Gaikwad’s outrage over food.
Mumbai, July 11 (NationPress) The Shiv Sena (UBT) has taken a strong stance against Buldhana MLA Sanjay Gaikwad from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, condemning him for allegedly assaulting a canteen worker at the MLA hostel due to being served stale food.
The editorial in its official publication, Saamana, ridiculed Gaikwad, labeling him as part of the “towel-banyan gang” and teasingly remarked on his apparently heightened sensitivity to odors.
Furthermore, the editorial questioned the absence of any police action against the MLA, despite the canteen's license being revoked by the Food and Drug Administration following this incident.
Saamana also criticized Gaikwad's unwillingness to apologize, even after being admonished by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. It expressed disappointment over the Chief Minister’s choice to defer the issue to the Assembly Speaker and Council Chairman, accusing the government of evading accountability.
“These incidents that stain Maharashtra’s reputation occurred in the Legislative Assembly, yet the offenders walk free. Is this truly the rule of law?” questioned the Saamana editorial.
Accusing the government of ignoring the misconduct of its affiliates, it stated that the government has become a repository for the crimes committed by its supporters.
The editorial enumerated various governance failures – including farmer suicides, crumbling infrastructure, subpar conditions in tribal ashram schools, and the alleged enforcement of Hindi in Maharashtra – contrasting these serious issues with Gaikwad’s outrage over a canteen meal.
“Why doesn’t Gaikwad express anger over these injustices? Yet, when he receives a bit of stale dal, he resorts to violence against an innocent worker. Is this the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray?” the editorial questioned.
It strongly objected to Gaikwad citing the late Sena leader to justify his conduct.
“If Gaikwad believes he is embodying Balasaheb’s principles by attacking a canteen employee, he has misinterpreted his legacy. His ‘saheb’ resides in Delhi and Thane – that’s why he targets the vulnerable,” it stated.
“If he genuinely wished to protest, he should have delivered the subpar food to the Minister's residence or the Assembly, wrapped in a towel. That would have been a true stand against injustice,” it added.
The editorial also highlighted that crores allegedly intended to provide ‘grace’ to a committee chairman were confiscated from a rest house in Dhule, yet the Assembly Speaker has failed to act.
Reiterating that such occurrences tarnish the state’s reputation, Saamana questioned: “If the food was indeed substandard, it could have been reported. What kind of masculinity is it to assault a defenseless worker instead?”
Point of View
This incident highlights a troubling trend of accountability evasion among political leaders in Maharashtra. The criticisms levied by Shiv Sena (UBT) reflect a broader concern about governance and the rule of law. It’s crucial for leaders to not only uphold their responsibilities but also to address the grievances of citizens effectively, ensuring justice and integrity in the political landscape.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened with MLA Sanjay Gaikwad?
Sanjay Gaikwad allegedly assaulted a canteen worker at the MLA hostel over being served stale food, leading to criticism from the Shiv Sena (UBT).
Why was there no police action against Gaikwad?
The Saamana editorial questioned the lack of police action against Gaikwad despite the canteen's license being revoked.
What did Saamana say about the incident?
Saamana criticized Gaikwad’s actions and questioned the government's accountability in handling such incidents.
What are the governance issues highlighted by Saamana?
Saamana listed serious issues like farmer suicides, poor infrastructure, and substandard conditions in tribal schools.
What is the significance of this incident?
This incident reflects broader governance challenges in Maharashtra and raises questions about political accountability.
