Shiv Sena MLA Slaps Canteen Staffer; Fadnavis, Opposition Condemn Act

Gaikwad defended his actions, citing ignored complaints about poor food quality

- TDG NETWORK

Maharashtra Shiv Sena legislator Sanjay Gaikwad slapped an employee at the MLAs' hostel canteen in Mumbai after being served stale food, drawing condemnation from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis as well as the opposition parties.

As a video of the assault went viral and led to an outrage, CM Fadnavis said such a conduct does not behoove anyone and sends out a wrong message about all legislators that they indulge in misuse of power.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who heads the Shiv Sena, also termed his party leader's actions as "inappropriate".

Gaikwad, the MLA from Buldhana, however, defended his conduct, saying he was compelled for the "Shiv Sena style" of response as his earlier complaints about the food's quality were not addressed, and asserted he does not regret his action.