Red Lungi Revolt: Opposition Storms Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan Over Shiv Sena MLA’s Assault on Canteen Manager

Mumbai: Tempers flared and symbolism took center stage on the steps of the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan as opposition leaders launched a fiery protest against Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, who has come under fire for assaulting a canteen manager over stale food at the Akashwani MLA Hostel.

In a powerful visual statement, leaders from the Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) arrived clad in red lungis and vests, deliberately mimicking the attire Gaikwad wore in the now-viral video where he was seen punching and kicking the hostel’s canteen manager. The act, they said, was not just performance—it was resistance.

With slogans like “Chaddi-Baniyan Gang Murdabad” and “Shame on Gaikwad,” the protest was spearheaded by MLC Ambadas Danve and NCP leader Jitendra Awhad, who condemned Gaikwad’s outburst as an attack on dignity, accountability, and public service. “This is not about stale dal—this is about a rotting political culture,” said Awhad, warning that if such behavior is tolerated, violence could become normalized in public offices.

The spark that lit this firestorm came last Tuesday, when Sanjay Gaikwad, enraged over the quality of food served, physically assaulted the canteen manager—an act captured on camera and shared widely on social media. The video sparked public outrage and cross-party condemnation.

Despite the footage, no FIR has been filed, as the manager and the contractor chose not to lodge formal complaints. Instead, a non-cognizable offence was quietly registered by Marine Drive police, raising eyebrows and accusations of political shielding.

Gaikwad, far from apologizing, doubled down on his actions. “I’ve been eating this food for 30 years. Enough is enough. If it happens again, I’ll react the same way again,” he said, unapologetically defending the violence.

But his justification only added fuel to the fire.

Inside the assembly, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anil Parab demanded Gaikwad’s immediate suspension, calling the incident a threat to the values of democracy. “This is no longer about food. This is about respect for institutions and the people who serve us,” he said.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, addressing the House, condemned Gaikwad’s behavior, calling it “unacceptable and dishonorable.” He admitted that the incident had tarnished the image of the legislature and eroded public trust in elected representatives.