Maharashtra MLA Sanjay Gaikwad Assaults Canteen Staff Over Spoiled Dal; Viral Video Sparks Outrage

In a shocking incident that has sparked widespread outrage, Maharashtra legislator Sanjay Gaikwad was caught on camera physically assaulting a canteen worker after claiming that the dal served to him was spoiled. The episode unfolded at the Akashvani MLA canteen in Churchgate, Mumbai, and has gone viral on social media, drawing sharp criticism over the conduct of elected officials.

Sanjay Gaikwad, a Shiv Sena MLA representing Buldhana, had ordered a thali meal. On receiving it, he alleged the dal had a foul odor. Wrapping a towel around his waist, Gaikwad marched into the canteen area, confronting the staff and demanding to know who had prepared the food. In the video, he is seen calling others to smell the packet and questioning aloud, “You are giving this to an MLA, what are you giving to common people?” Another person is heard saying, “A person could die after eating this.”

As his frustration grew, the MLA demanded to see canteen staff member Yogesh Kutran. When Kutran appeared, Gaikwad forced him to smell the dal and, without warning, slapped him repeatedly before punching him so hard that Kutran fell to the ground.

Speaking to the media later, Gaikwad defended his actions. “I am an MLA and a warrior too. I lost my temper when he didn’t understand politely. This is the style taught by Balasaheb Thackeray. I know judo, karate, and wrestling. I’m not a Gandhian. I don’t regret what I did,” he stated, adding that he planned to raise the matter of poor food quality in the Assembly.

While many customers at the canteen acknowledged that food standards were poor, they condemned the MLA's violent reaction. Staff members also expressed solidarity with their assaulted colleague, describing the incident as unacceptable.

Interestingly, when police approached Yogesh Kutran to file a formal complaint, he declined.

Opposition parties have strongly criticised Gaikwad’s actions. Congress MLA Nana Patole accused the legislator of misusing his power, questioning why food quality remained poor despite Gaikwad himself heading the canteen’s food committee. “If he cannot ensure good food, he should be replaced as chairman,” Patole said. He also demanded the appointment of a new contractor to improve the quality of meals served.

Bhaskar Jadhav of Shiv Sena (UBT) alleged that the ruling alliance shields its own members from accountability. “When our leaders make a statement, breach of privilege motions are raised, but when their own MLAs behave like this, no action is taken,” he noted.

The controversy has once again highlighted concerns over food standards in government-run canteens and, more importantly, raised serious questions about the behaviour and accountability of elected representatives.