Mumbai: Sanjay Gaikwad, the Shiv Sena (Shinde) MLA, accused of assaulting the canteen manager of the MLA Hostel in Mumbai, for allegedly being served stale food has not only defended his act but also said that he would repeat it if required.
The incident is from Tuesday night after Gaikwad ordered his meal in his room. A video clip that has gone viral on social media shows Gaikwad, who represents the Buldhana constituency, storm into the canteen in a vest and towel and confront the staff over what he claims is sour dal and spoiled rice. He then rains slaps and punches on the canteen operator, and instructs others not to pay their bills.
His supporters also assaulted the canteen staff, it was alleged.
Gaikwad told reporters later that he had raised complaints about the quality of food being served on several occasions, but no action was taken. “If such food is being served to an MLA, imagine what the common man must be getting,” he said.
“I had complained about the poor quality of food two or three times. This time, the food was absolutely unacceptable and completely spoiled. I will raise this issue in the ongoing legislative session,” Gaikwad said on Wednesday.
“People from all across the state come here; workers and officials come here to eat. The quality of food should be good here as it is a government canteen. I have no regrets over what I did. I am a public representative… when someone fails to understand democratic language then I have to use this language. I had complained to concerned authorities on several occasions. I don’t regret it and I will repeat it if needed…” the MLA added.
The canteen is operated by a private contractor under the supervision of the Legislature Secretariat.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut questioned the government’s responsibility in the matter.
“If the dal (lentils) is of poor quality, who is responsible? It’s your government. This is the same quality of food being given to tribal communities and poor people in Maharashtra. Modi is distributing free grains — everyone should examine their quality too,” Raut said.
“Only MLAs have received Rs 50 crore; contractors haven’t. There is corruption even in the canteen. But instead of raising the issue properly, the MLA resorted to violence. This is not how law and order should work. If you don’t like the food, there are proper channels to complain. Raise the issue in the Assembly. Assaulting a poor staff member is not acceptable,” he added.
Raut also claimed that he informed chief minister Devendra Fadnavis about the incident on X, and demanded action. He emphasised that the assaulted worker deserves a chance to present his side in the Maharashtra Assembly and should not be punished for systemic failures.