Mumbai: Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad from Buldhana has once again found himself at the center of controversy after a video emerged showing him assaulting a canteen worker at the MLA Guest House in Mumbai. The altercation reportedly stemmed from Gaikwad’s dissatisfaction with the quality of food served at the government-run facility. The incident comes amid rising concerns about growing political aggression and the normalization of violent behavior by elected representatives in Maharashtra.
Gaikwad became enraged after being served what he claimed was “spoiled” dal. Witnesses say he stormed into the canteen, furiously accusing the staff of serving unhygienic food, and allegedly compared it to poison. A video now circulating on social media shows Gaikwad, visibly angry, yelling at the canteen contractor, before physically assaulting him with punches and kicks. Reports also suggest that other men accompanying Gaikwad joined in, escalating the situation further.
Gaikwad has reportedly justified his actions by stating that complaints regarding food quality had been ignored repeatedly. He claimed that the same issue had occurred several times, especially affecting MLAs who stay at the guest house while traveling from rural districts. While Gaikwad insists his outburst was due to frustration over inaction, his method of expressing displeasure has drawn sharp criticism.
The incident is particularly concerning as it adds to a growing pattern of violent political conduct in the state. Just days ago, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers made headlines for attacking a shopkeeper who refused to speak in Marathi. These back-to-back incidents have reignited public discourse on the aggressive tactics used by certain political factions to assert control.
Sanjay Gaikwad has a long track record of controversies, including threatening public figures and making inflammatory comments. Critics argue that such behavior reflects a deeper problem — a culture of impunity and entitlement within political circles. Social media users and civil society activists have demanded strict disciplinary action against the MLA, warning that failure to do so only emboldens further misuse of power.
As Maharashtra continues to wrestle with linguistic tensions and political violence, the role of its elected leaders is under increasing scrutiny. Incidents like these have raised questions not just about law and order, but about the very standards of public service and accountability in the state.
