Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, from the Eknath Shinde-led faction, was caught on video assaulting a canteen contractor at the Akashwani MLA residential quarters in Mumbai, allegedly over poor-quality food. The incident, which occurred earlier this week, came to light after a video went viral on social media, showing the legislator physically attacking the contractor inside the government-allotted residence.

According to India Today, the two-term MLA from Buldhana had ordered food from the canteen on the premises. Dissatisfied with the quality—particularly the dal—Gaikwad reportedly confronted the staff, claiming he fell sick after consuming the meal.

At the MLA residence canteen Mumbai, PM Narendra Modi's most favourite and trustworthy MLA, Sanjay Gaikwad (SS Shinde), was seen assaulting a poor staffer over bad food. But since he's from a BJP ally, the media won't highlight it or call it hooliganism pic.twitter.com/JTYPvFYaRr

— Pritesh Shah (@priteshshah_) July 9, 2025

In the video, Gaikwad, dressed in a vest and towel, is seen forcing the contractor to smell the food packet before suddenly punching him in the face. The contractor falls from the blow but is assaulted again with a slap as he tries to stand. The MLA is then heard saying that he “taught him a lesson in my style.”

Speaking to the media after the video surfaced, Gaikwad defended his actions and said he would raise the issue of food quality in the upcoming Assembly session. He did not express remorse for the physical violence.

Gaikwad is no stranger to controversy. In 2023, he stirred national outrage by offering ₹11 lakh to anyone who cut off Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s tongue. He has also been known for his incendiary remarks against political opponents, including Uddhav Thackeray and Devendra Fadnavis.

The assault has sparked backlash from opposition leaders. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi condemned the act on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Meet Shah Sena's MLA Sanjay Gaikwad... beating a poor, helpless canteen worker. But wait, no outrage since it's a BJP ally.”