Devendra Fadnavis condemns ally Sena MLA’s assault on canteen worker: ‘Doesn’t send right message’

Devendra Fadnavis

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday reacted strongly after a video of Shiv Sena legislator Sanjay Gaikwad slapping an employee of a canteen at the MLA’s hostel in Mumbai went viral on social media platforms. The chief minister said such conduct does not send the right message.

Fadnavis further emphasised that Gaikwad’s actions as an MLA have tarnished the reputation of all legislators as he highlighted the need for accountability among public representatives.

Gaikwad had courted controversy after allegedly assaulting the canteen staff member in Mumbai, evoking strong reactions from Opposition parties.

After the incident on Tuesday night, the Buldhana MLA said the food served to him was of poor quality and he will raise the issue during the ongoing session of the Maharashtra legislature.

"I had complained about the poor quality of food two or three times earlier. This time the food was absolutely unacceptable. I will raise this issue in the ongoing legislature session," Gaikwad told a regional news channel.

VIDEO | Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) condemns Shiv Sena legislator Sanjay Gaikwad allegedly slapping an employee of a canteen at the MLAs' hostel after complaining about being served stale food.

Speaking in Vidhan Parishad, CM Fadnavis said that if any… pic.twitter.com/3AbxyD0BvH — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 9, 2025

Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member Priyanka Chaturvedi criticised Gaikwad for his behaviour.

"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," Chaturvedi said in a post on X.

The incident took place days after workers of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) assaulted a Mira Road shopkeeper for refusing to speak Marathi, resulting in a massive row.