Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, who was caught on camera allegedly slapping a canteen worker at Mumbai’s Akashwani canteen, has refused to apologise and said he has “no regrets” over his actions. Defending himself, Gaikwad claimed the food served at the canteen was “no less than poison.”

“I will not apologise. What the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister said is their responsibility. I respect their statements, but they also called for an inquiry into the canteen. I have no regrets, what I nearly consumed was poison, and those who haven’t experienced it won’t understand,” Gaikwad stated, according to news agency ANI. 

A video showing Gaikwad allegedly hitting a staff member at the MLA hostel canteen went viral on social media, triggering sharp criticism. The Buldhana MLA alleged that the canteen staff repeatedly ignored his complaints about the poor quality of food being served.