Maharashtra: 'Stale' Dal-Chawal Angers Sena MLA, He Punches And Slaps Canteen Staff — Watch

Sanjay Gaikwad, a legislator from Eknath Shinde’s faction, was seen slapping and pushing employees after claiming that he had been served stale food.

A viral video shows Sanjay Gaikwad verbally abusing the canteen operator.

Source : X

Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad has triggered outrage after a video went viral showing him assaulting a canteen staffer at the MLA Hostel in Mumbai. Gaikwad, a legislator from Eknath Shinde’s faction, was seen slapping and pushing employees after claiming that he had been served stale food.

Shameful conduct by Shiv Sena (Shinde) MLA Sanjay Gaikwad assaulted poor canteen staff over bad food, when he could’ve raised the issue through proper channels…
Is this how a public representative is expected to behave?
Let’s see if Devendra Fadnavis dares to act, or stays… pic.twitter.com/YhVfShiffA

— Archana Pawar 🇮🇳 (@SilentEyes0106) July 9, 2025

Canteen Clash Over Dal-Rice

The incident reportedly took place on Tuesday night when Gaikwad ordered dal-rice to his hostel room. Unhappy with the food, which he described as "foul-smelling and stale", the MLA stormed into the hostel canteen in a fit of rage.

The viral video shows him verbally abusing the canteen operator, refusing to pay, and physically attacking the staff at the billing counter. He is also heard urging others not to pay for the meal. 

#WATCH | Mumbai | On reportedly slapping a canteen staff over poor food quality, Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad says, "I have been coming to Akashwani canteen for 30 years and staying here for 5.5 years. I have repeatedly requested that they serve good food. Eggs 15 days old,… pic.twitter.com/8M331T6dNK

— ANI (@ANI) July 9, 2025

Speaking to PTI, Gaikwad defended his actions, claiming he had to resort to violence because his concerns weren’t being heard. “When someone fails to understand democratic language, then I have to use this language only,” he said, adding that he plans to raise the issue in the ongoing Maharashtra Assembly monsoon session.

Gaikwad's Past Controversies

The Congress has slammed Gaikwad, recalling his controversial Rs 11 lakh reward announcement last year for anyone who could cut off Rahul Gandhi’s tongue over remarks on reservations. The party has demanded action, terming the current incident yet another instance of unchecked aggression from ruling party MLAs.

As of now, no official police complaint has been filed, but the video has drawn strong condemnation from the opposition and civil society alike.