Who is Sanjay Gaikwad? Shinde Sena MLA who assaulted canteen staffer over stale food

Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad thrashed an MLA canteen staffer. (Image: X)

Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad from the Eknath Shinde faction called himself a “yoddha” (warrior) as he justified his assault of canteen staff at a hostel for MLAs in Mumbai, calling it “the Shiv Sena style”.

Gaikwad's act has once again triggered a massive controversy. Recently, a video went viral showing Gaikwad angrily slapping and punching a staffer of the MLA canteen inside the Maharashtra Legislature premises. His reason? The quality of food served was not up to his mark. The clip showed Gaikwad landing blows and threatening the staff, in an incident that has drawn condemnation from all corners.

Following a row, Gaikwad said he did not regret what he did adding he did it to “teach a lesson to them". “I am not sorry for it," he said, speaking to CNN-News18 on Thursday.

Last week, Gaikwad stirred anger by using foul language while speaking about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj — the valiant son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and one of Maharashtra’s most revered warrior kings. In his comment, Gaikwad belittled Sambhaji Maharaj’s famed knowledge of multiple languages and shockingly called him “fool," sparking widespread backlash, from people even from his own party.

Who is Sanjay Gaikwad?

Gaikwad is known for his aggressive street-level politics, fiery speeches and non-diplomatic language. He represents Buldhana constituency.

His list of controversies is long. In 2021, as Covid-19 spread, Gaikwad infamously threatened to “strip and burn Prime Minister Narendra Modi alive" while protesting vaccine shortages. The statement triggered national outrage and forced senior Sena leaders to distance themselves, however, no serious disciplinary action followed.

A few months ago, Gaikwad made it to the headlines once again, but not for the right reason. He was caught on video making some controversial remarks against Aaditya Thackeray. Gaikwad slammed Thackeray as “vulgar and disgraceful". Thackeray demanded immediate action, saying, “It is necessary to bring such people down to size."

Gaikwad has also been caught on camera threatening and abusing government officers and local body officials who he felt were not toeing his line.

Despite multiple such incidents, no serious action has been taken against Gaikwad and he has managed to hold his seat.