‘Don’t regret it. Will repeat it if needed’: Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad beats canteen worker over ‘stale food’

His supporters, too, assaulted the canteen staff.

Gaikwad later told reporters he had complained about food quality on multiple occasions, but no action was taken. “If such food is being served to an MLA, imagine what the common man must be getting,” he said.

Meet Shah Sena’s MLA Sanjay Gaikwad. Last year he had threatened&announced 11 lakh rupees to anyone who cuts off Sh. Rahul Gandhi’s tongue. Now the man is seen beating up a poor helpless canteen worker. But wait no news TV outrage here since its a BJP ally pic.twitter.com/XVwnEzJFSU

— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) July 9, 2025

On Wednesday, Gaikwad said he doesn’t regret his action, and he may repeat it if needed. He said the food served to him was of poor quality, and that he would raise the issue during the ongoing Monsoon Session of the Maharashtra Assembly.

“I had complained about the poor quality of food two or three times. This time, the food was absolutely unacceptable and completely spoiled. I will raise this issue in the ongoing legislative session,” he said.

“People from all across the state come here; workers and officials come here to eat. The quality of food should be good here as it is a government canteen. I have no regrets over what I did. I am a public representative… when someone fails to understand democratic language then I have to use this language. I had complained to concerned authorities on several occasions. I don’t regret it and I will repeat it if needed…”

A video of the incident, which shows the MLA shouting at staff and striking one of them, has since gone viral on social media, drawing criticism over his conduct.

No official complaint had been filed at the time of publication of this report.

The canteen is operated by a private contractor under the supervision of the Legislature Secretariat.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut questioned the government’s responsibility in the matter.

“If the dal (lentils) is of poor quality, who is responsible? It’s your government. This is the same quality of food being given to tribal communities and poor people in Maharashtra. Modi is distributing free grains—everyone should examine their quality too,” Raut said.

“Only MLAs have received Rs 50 crore; contractors haven’t. There is corruption even in the canteen. But instead of raising the issue properly, the MLA resorted to violence. This is not how law and order should work. If you didn’t like the food, there are proper channels to complain. Raise the issue in the Assembly. Assaulting a poor staff member is not acceptable,” he added.

Raut also claimed that he informed Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis about the incident on X, and demanded action. He emphasised that the assaulted worker deserves a chance to present his side in the Maharashtra Assembly and should not be punished for systemic failures.