A video showing Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad assaulting a canteen worker at a Mumbai MLA hostel has invited strong backlash and reignited the political tensions in Maharashtra.
The video was shared by Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi on her X handle, where she accused Gaikwad of using violence against a helpless worker over allegations of being served stale food. In the video, Gaikwad is seen punching the worker inside the government-run canteen.
“Meet Shah Sena’s MLA Sanjay Gaikwad,” Chaturvedi wrote in a social media post, referring to the BJP-led alliance. “Last year he had threatened & announced 11 lakh rupees to anyone who cuts off 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,” she said in the post.
Watch the video here:
Gaikwad, however, has defended his actions and said he has no regrets. Speaking to PTI, he said the quality of food in the government canteen had been a long-standing issue and that he had raised complaints earlier.
“When someone fails to understand democratic language then I have to use this language only. I didn’t thrash him seeing whether he is Marathi or Hindi-speaking,” he said.
This incident comes at a time when Maharashtra is already witnessing rising tensions over the Hindi vs Marathi language debate. Earlier this week, a protest march was held in Mira Bhayandar after a shopkeeper was attacked for refusing to speak in Marathi. The march, organised by pro-Marathi groups including the MNS, saw participation from opposition parties and led to multiple detentions.
As the video continues to spread on social media, demands for action against Gaikwad are growing, with many questioning the silence of mainstream media and ruling alliance leaders.