Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad has issued a clarification following widespread criticism after a video emerged showing him allegedly assaulting a canteen worker. The video, which has gone viral on social media, sparked outrage as it captured Gaikwad, an MLA from Buldhana, striking the worker while others watched in silence.
In response to the backlash, Gaikwad defended his actions by citing poor hygiene and food quality at the Akashwani canteen, where he claims he has been eating for the past 30 years.
“I have repeatedly requested that they serve good food. Eggs are 15 days old, non-veg items are 15-20 days old, vegetables are 2-4 days old. People have found lizards, rats, even ropes in their food. Thousands eat here daily and everyone complains,” he said.
Recounting the incident that led to the confrontation, Gaikwad stated that he had ordered food at 10 PM on Tuesday.
“The moment I took the first bite, I realized something was wrong. The food was stale. I had others smell it too, and they agreed. I once again explained to the staff to serve clean and fresh food—people can’t be eating poison. If they still don’t listen, I have my own way of making them understand,” he added.
Gaikwad further alleged that the kitchen is unhygienic and infested with rodents.
“There are rats roaming in the kitchen. The government receives thousands of complaints, yet nothing is done. Action must be taken to ensure people’s health is not compromised,” he said.
However, the justification did little to calm criticism. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi condemned the incident, accusing the ruling Mahayuti government of silence over such behavior.
Posting on X, Chaturvedi wrote, “Meet Shah Sena’s MLA Sanjay Gaikwad. Last year, he offered ₹11 lakh to anyone who cuts off Rahul Gandhi’s tongue. Now, he’s seen beating a poor, helpless canteen worker. No outrage from TV media since he’s a BJP ally.”
The incident has reignited debate around elected representatives’ conduct and raised concerns over unchecked aggression and lack of accountability in public office.
