Caught on Camera: MLA Thrashes Canteen Staff Over Dal, Boasts 'Apne style se'

Mumbai (The Uttam Hindu) :  In a disturbing display of aggression, Maharashtra MLA Sanjay Gaikwad of Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) physically assaulted a canteen operator at the Akashvani MLA canteen in Churchgate, Mumbai, over the quality of food served to him. The incident, captured on video and now widely circulated online, has sparked outrage and renewed concerns about the behavior of elected representatives.

The altercation began when Gaikwad, who represents Buldhana, reportedly found the dal he was served to be spoiled. Draped in a towel, he stormed into the canteen demanding to know who had prepared the dish. In the video, he is seen forcing people to smell the dal and angrily questioning the staff. "Who gave this to me? Smell this... You are giving this to an MLA, what are you serving others?" he is heard saying. One person in the background even claims, “A person could die after eating this.” As tensions escalated, Gaikwad confronted the canteen operator directly. After making him smell the dal, the MLA slapped him multiple times and delivered a forceful punch that knocked the man to the floor.

When questioned by NDTV, Gaikwad defended his actions, claiming the food wasn't just stale but "rotten." He alleged that he vomited and experienced stomach cramps after eating just a few bites. "I didn’t even change my clothes, I rushed straight to the canteen," he said, adding that he had complained about food quality multiple times in the past, including the use of old chicken and eggs.

Unapologetic, Gaikwad justified his actions by invoking Shiv Sena’s legacy. "I am an MLA and a warrior too," he said. "I used the language Balasaheb Thackeray taught us. I’m not a Gandhian. I have no regrets. I will raise this issue in the Assembly." The video and Gaikwad’s remarks have drawn sharp criticism, with many questioning the appropriateness of such conduct from a public servant.