Shiv Sena (Shinde Faction) MLA Sanjay Gaikwad Caught on Camera Assaulting Canteen Staff at Mumbai MLA Guest House

Mumbai, 9th July 2025: A video showing Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MLA Sanjay Gaikwad physically assaulting a canteen employee at the Akashvani MLA Guest House in Mumbai has gone viral on social media, sparking outrage and raising questions about elected representatives resorting to violence.

The incident took place on Tuesday night and was reportedly triggered by the alleged poor quality of food served at the government-run guest house canteen. Eyewitnesses said several MLAs had earlier complained about stale food, and tensions escalated when Buldhana MLA Gaikwad was served the same meal.

In the video, Gaikwad is seen handing a food packet to a canteen employee and asking him to smell it. As the staff member complies, Gaikwad suddenly slaps him. Before the employee can react, Gaikwad punches him multiple times. The assault continues until another staff member intervenes. Even then, one of Gaikwad’s supporters grabs the assaulted employee by the collar before others step in to defuse the situation.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Gaikwad defended his actions and showed journalists the same food packet, alleging it was spoiled. “I ordered dal-rice around 9:30 pm. The first bite tasted disgusting. After the second bite, I vomited. The food was rotten and stinking,” he said. “I asked the manager to smell it, and even he admitted it smelled bad. I made others smell it too — everyone said it was not edible.”

Gaikwad claimed this was not the first time the canteen served substandard food. “They serve 15-day-old chicken, 20-day-old mutton, 10-day-old eggs, and stale vegetables. I’ve complained to the committee chairman and MD multiple times over the past four years. When someone doesn’t understand Hindi, Marathi, or English — this is the Shiv Sena style,” he said unapologetically.

“I am a public representative. If people don’t understand the democratic language, I have to explain it in this way,” he added. “If they do this again, I will beat them again.”

Despite public criticism, no official statement has been released by Shiv Sena’s Shinde faction regarding the incident. There is also no confirmation yet on whether any legal action will be taken against the MLA.

The canteen staff have not yet filed a police complaint, but sources indicate that internal discussions are underway regarding the next course of action.
The video has reignited debate over the conduct of public officials and the abuse of power, especially when grievances are addressed through violence instead of due process.