"The assault by Gaikwad in the MLA canteen shows that even the government is backing such elements," Leader of Opposition in state legislative council Ambadas Danve told reporters, according to the PTI

Gaikwad faced flak from those in the government and the opposition alike after a video of him slapping and punching the employee at the MLAs' hostel canteen for being served 'stale' food went viral

The video showed Gaikwad, wearing a vest and a towel wrapped around his waist, confronting the canteen contractor and forcing him to smell the packet containing dal, before slapping and punching him

"We are highlighting how ruling MLAs behave like goons. Gaikwad's actions are shameful, and he must face consequences," Congress legislature party leader Vijay Wadettiwar told reporters on Vidhan Bhavan premises, the PTI reported

NCP (SP) legislator Jitendra Awhad said they staged the protest to show the public the 'reality' of those in power