Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, from Maharashtra’s Buldhana constituency and a member of the Eknath Shinde-led faction, was caught on camera thrashing a canteen contractor at the Akashwani MLA residence in Mumbai. The video, which has now gone viral, shows the legislator visibly upset over the quality of food—particularly the dal—served to him.
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
Gaikwad was seen wearing a vest and towel as he confronted the contractor, allegedly made him smell the stale dal, and then physically assaulted him. In the footage, the MLA is seen punching the contractor, who falls to the ground, only to be slapped again as he attempts to stand.
The legislator later stated, “I taught him a lesson apne style se (in my style),” defending his actions and vowing to raise the issue in the ongoing Assembly session.
Canteen Food Previously Reported to Contain Lizards and Rats, Claims Gaikwad
Speaking to reporters following the incident, Sanjay Gaikwad elaborated on his grievances, claiming that the food served in the canteen has been a long-standing issue.
“I had complained about the poor quality of food two or three times earlier. This time the food was absolutely unacceptable,” he said, adding that he will bring up the matter officially in the legislature.
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Gaikwad alleged that past complaints involved extreme hygiene violations. “Eggs 15 days old, non-veg 15-20 days old, vegetables 2-4 days old. Nearly 5,000-10,000 people eat here, and everyone has the same complaint. Someone has a lizard in their food, someone has a rat or a rope,” he claimed.
The MLA, who has been residing at the government-allotted Akashwani residence for six years, reiterated that Tuesday’s meal was “stale” and that the “dal was stinking.”
Political Reactions and History of Controversy
Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi reacted strongly to the viral video, accusing the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance of shielding its members. “Meet Shah Sena’s MLA Sanjay Gaikwad… The man is seen beating up a poor, helpless canteen worker. But wait, no news TV outrage here since it’s a BJP ally,” she posted on X.
Gaikwad has previously drawn criticism for controversial statements, including one last year where he offered Rs 11 lakh to anyone who would cut off Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s tongue. A case had been filed against him in that matter.
He has also made derogatory remarks in the past targeting political leaders, including Uddhav Thackeray and BJP’s Devendra Fadnavis.
