The Maharashtra Legislative Council on Wednesday witnessed strong reactions over a viral video showing Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad physically assaulting a canteen employee at the MLA hostel in Mumbai. The video, which shows Gaikwad slapping and punching canteen worker Yogesh Kutram over allegedly stale food, led to condemnation from both the Opposition and ruling alliance leaders.
The matter was raised by Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Anil Parab. Responding to the issue, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis acknowledged viewing the viral video and expressed concern over the lawmaker’s behaviour. “Such an act is not good. Somewhere, it undermines the dignity of the House and all the MLAs,” said Fadnavis, adding that the Chair should take appropriate action.
Buldhana MLA Sanjay Gaikwad is a Maratha warrior, who singlehandedly defeated a canteen staff in full public view pic.twitter.com/i3UHuPepP9
— ᴋᴀᴍʟᴇsʜ sɪɴɢʜ / tau (@kamleshksingh) July 9, 2025
Fadnavis noted that while complaints regarding food quality were legitimate, physical assault was unacceptable. “Misusing power and such conduct as an MLA is not right. This is a serious matter. You and the Speaker should take cognizance of this and take the required action,” he said.
Shinde Says ‘Responsibility Comes With Representation’, Gaikwad Unapologetic
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who heads the ruling Shiv Sena faction, also condemned the incident. “We are representatives of the people and we have some responsibility. I condemn Gaikwad’s action. I have told him that it’s wrong to slap someone,” Shinde said.
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Gaikwad, a two-time MLA from Buldhana and member of the Shinde faction, has remained defiant. Speaking to NDTV, he said, “I am an MLA and a warrior too… I have no regrets. I don’t think I have done anything wrong.” He claimed repeated complaints about stale food, including chicken and eggs, were ignored. “When someone chose not to understand despite repeated attempts, I used the language Balasaheb Thackeray has taught us,” Gaikwad added.
In the video, Gaikwad is seen confronting the canteen staff, making the worker smell the food packet, and then punching him. He said the dal served made him throw up, and he plans to raise the issue in the Assembly session.
Former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, whose Shiv Sena (UBT) faction split from the Shinde camp in 2022, distanced himself from the incident. “He is not from my party. He is no longer a Shiv Sainik. He belongs to the Eknath Shinde faction now. That’s not Shiv Sena,” Thackeray said.
