MLA Gaikwad Defends Assault, Claims It Spurred Food Safety Action
Citing personal health issues, Gaikwad defended his “harsh” reaction, claiming it finally prompted action.
Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, unapologetic for assaulting a canteen worker at Mumbai’s Akashwani MLA hostel over “stale food,” claimed his actions forced long-overdue government response on food safety. The viral video of Gaikwad slapping and punching the manager on Tuesday night sparked outrage, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemning the act as a misuse of power. The Maharashtra FDA swiftly suspended the caterer, Ajanta Caterers, on Wednesday, citing violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, after a four-hour inspection revealed substandard conditions.
Gaikwad, from Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction, told reporters that 200-400 complaints over four years, including reports of lizards and rats in food, were ignored by the FDA. “The manager I hit was suspended because it was his fault,” he said, alleging the canteen, serving 5,000-10,000 daily, endangered lives with “almost poisonous” food. Citing personal health issues, Gaikwad defended his “harsh” reaction, claiming it finally prompted action.
His remarks targeting the South Indian-origin operator drew further criticism, with Gaikwad questioning why critics “side with South Indians” risking public health. He acknowledged potential legal consequences, calling the incident a non-cognizable offense, and plans to meet the assembly speaker and senior leaders. NCP ally Amol Mitkari urged rational judgment, while NCP (SP)’s Rohit Pawar doubted strong action due to Gaikwad’s political ties.
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