‘No Regrets’: Sena MLA Refuses To Apologise Despite Fadnavis Rebuke Over Slap Row; Contractor’s Licence Suspended
Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad refused to apologise despite criticism from Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde after a video showed him assaulting a canteen worker at the Akashvani MLA hostel.
Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad courted controversy after a video emerged showing him slapping and punching a canteen worker at the Akashvani MLA hostel in Mumbai. The assault, triggered by allegations of poor food quality, has led to widespread condemnation across the political spectrum, including criticism from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.
According to news agency ANI, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspended the licence of Ajanta Caterers, who manage the MLA canteen. FDA officials confirmed that food samples, including paneer, Schezwan chutney, oil and toor dal, were collected and will be analysed in the laboratory. The results are expected within two weeks.
Shiv Sena MLA’s Viral Video Sparks Backlash, CM Fadnavis Condemns “Abuse of Power”
The footage shows the Buldhana legislator confronting the canteen contractor, allegedly over stale food, and forcing him to smell a packet of dal before slapping and punching him. The contractor is seen falling to the ground and being assaulted further as he attempts to get up.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, as quoted by news agency PTI, stated, “Such behaviour sends a wrong message about legislators misusing their power.” He added in the House, “Such conduct does not behove anyone. It impacts the image of the state legislature and as an MLA… a wrong message goes among people about all MLAs that there is misuse of power.”
Deputy CM and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde echoed the sentiment, stating, “I have told Sanjay Gaikwad that his actions were inappropriate. I will not endorse his actions.” He added that while legal recourse exists for wrongdoing, physically assaulting someone is not acceptable.
‘I Was About to Consume Poison’: Gaikwad Stands Firm
Despite the backlash, Gaikwad remained defiant. According to ANI, he said, “I will not apologise. Whatever the CM and Deputy CM said is their duty. I respect their words, but they also said that there should be an inquiry into the hotel. I have no regrets. I was about to consume poison; others cannot understand this, so I have no regrets for what I did.”
#WATCH | Mumbai: On slapping a canteen staff alleging poor food quality, Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad says, "I will not apologise. Whatever the CM and Deputy CM said is their duty. I respect their words, but they also said that there should be an inquiry into the hotel. I have no… pic.twitter.com/qOF0bq1AOf
— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2025
He added that he had repeatedly complained about the quality of food served at the MLA hostel canteen. “This time the food was absolutely unacceptable. I will raise this issue in the ongoing legislature session,” he said.
Gaikwad claimed that he had discussed the issue with FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal months earlier, who informed him that food samples had been sent for testing but the results had not yet arrived. “Thousands of people visit the Akashvani MLA hostel during the legislature session with the hope of getting quality food, but the contractor never improved it,” he said.
Opposition Demands Action, MLA’s Troubled Record Resurfaces
The incident was raised in the Legislative Council by Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Anil Parab, who accused Gaikwad of being “high on power” and tarnishing the Chief Minister’s image. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray took a veiled swipe, asking, “Is this an attempt to malign the Chief Minister? He should be cautious.”
Aaditya Thackeray also criticised the MLA’s conduct, saying, “The way he was dressed and came down (to canteen) is obscene.” Sena (UBT) has demanded action against what they described as a “power-drunk” MLA.
NCP MLC Amol Mitkari, while not endorsing the violence, supported Gaikwad’s concern about food quality. “The food quality at the canteen is poor. There should be some improvements,” he said.
Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, “Meet Shah Sena’s MLA Sanjay Gaikwad… Now the man is seen beating up a poor helpless canteen worker. But wait no news TV outrage here since it’s a BJP ally.”
This isn’t the first time Sanjay Gaikwad has made headlines. In September 2024, he offered a reward of ₹11 lakh to anyone who would cut off Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s tongue—remarks that led to an FIR by Buldhana Police.
In April 2025, he made derogatory comments about the police but expressed remorse following rebuke from the Chief Minister. Another viral video from March 2024 showed him hitting a youth with a stick, which he justified by claiming the person belonged to an anti-social group and had assaulted a police officer.
As of now, no police complaint has been filed against Gaikwad regarding the canteen assault.
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