Shiv Sena MLA faces backlash after assaulting canteen worker, making anti-South Indian remarks
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Shiv Sena legislator Sanjay Gaikwad is facing intense criticism after a video emerged showing him physically assaulting a canteen worker at the MLA hostel in Colaba.
The incident, which reportedly took place over “stale” food being served, quickly escalated when Gaikwad made controversial statements targeting South Indians.
In the aftermath of the assault, Gaikwad alleged that South Indians were responsible for operating dance and ladies' bars in Maharashtra, accusing them of corrupting the youth and harming Marathi culture.
“The attitude of people from the South towards Maharashtra… look, these ladies bars, dance bars, they have played a role in corrupting our youth and children. They have damaged Marathi culture. Dance bars and ladies' bars are not a part of our Marathi culture,” he said, according to The Times of India.
Gaikwad later clarified that his remarks were directed at the Shetty community, to which the canteen contractor belongs.
He insisted the contractor was his friend, but claimed repeated complaints about poor food quality were ignored. “Why was a contractor named Shetty given the contract? Give it to a Marathi person. They know what we eat and will give us good quality food,” Gaikwad said.
Justifying his assault, Gaikwad added, “That is why I attacked them.”
He further claimed that the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) only acted against the canteen after his intervention. “So what I did may have been wrong, but my intentions were correct, which was proved by the FDA taking action. And if they (canteen management) do it again, I will not deter from beating them up again.”
Following the controversy, the licence of the canteen contractor was suspended.
Gaikwad’s comments have drawn condemnation from members of the hospitality sector, especially from associations representing the Shetty community, known for running Udipi restaurants and bars in Maharashtra.
They strongly rejected the MLA’s statements and defended their contributions to the state’s culinary and cultural heritage, emphasising their century-old ties with the people of Mumbai and Maharashtra.
