Both Fadnavis and Shinde claimed that Gaikwad could have complained about the food quality to the authorities concerned instead of assaulting the staff. While the top state leaders expressed displeasure over Gaikwad’s behaviour, the MLA’s action was also criticised by the opposition Shiv Sena (UBT), which sought strict action
Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MLA Sanjay Gaikwad. Pic/PTI
Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad on Wednesday faced flak from CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde following an incident in which Gaikwad was seen slapping and punching a hostel canteen staff member over alleged ‘stale food’.
Gaikwad ordered dinner from the canteen on Tuesday night and found the dal and rice to be foul-smelling. A video of the incident, which went viral on Wednesday, showed Gaikwad, wearing a vest, confronting a canteen staffer and slapping and punching him. The video further showed that the MLA continued assaulting the staffer even after he fell on the floor.
Both Fadnavis and Shinde claimed that Gaikwad could have complained about the food quality to the authorities concerned instead of assaulting the staff. While the top state leaders expressed displeasure over Gaikwad’s behaviour, the MLA’s action was also criticised by the opposition Shiv Sena (UBT), which sought strict action.
“Such an act sends the wrong signals. Public representatives’ image takes a hit for misuse of power and misconduct,” Fadnavis said. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and MLC Anil Parab demanded Gaikwad’s suspension from the party. To this, Fadnavis said that the chairman of the Legislative Council and the speaker of the Legislative Assembly should decide on this case.
Hours after the video went viral, Gaikwad, an MLA from Buldhana district, claimed he had done nothing wrong and justified his action, saying he had on several occasions complained about the food quality, which was never addressed.
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray claimed Gaikwad’s act was nothing but an attempt to malign the CM’s image. Speaking to the media in the Vidhan Bhavan premises on Wednesday, Thackeray said, “I feel someone is trying to dent the image of the chief minister.”
Speaking outside the assembly premises, MLC Parab said, “The law is equal for everyone. Had this act been done by any citizen, the police would have immediately lodged an FIR. On similar grounds, in Gaikwad’s case too, an FIR should be filed.”
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