Mumbai | An MLA of the ruling alliance in Maharashtra on Wednesday faced flak from those in the government and the opposition alike after a video of him slapping and punching an employee at the MLAs' hostel canteen for being served ‘stale’ food went viral.

The video showed Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay 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.

The impact is so hard that the contractor falls on the floor. As he tries to get up, the MLA is seen continuing the assault.

Gaikwad’s party chief and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde told reporters that while he does not support violence, individuals have the right to seek legal action for grievances.

“Although I don't support violence, if there is any problem, we have the right to take legal action, but beating someone is not right,” Shinde said. He termed the MLA’s act as inappropriate.

Talking to reporters, Gaikwad, an MLA from Buldhana district, defended his conduct, saying he was compelled to go in for the "Shiv Sena style" of response as his earlier complaints about the food quality were not addressed, and asserted he does not regret his action.

Gaikwad ordered dinner from the canteen on Tuesday night. He found the dal and rice delivered in his room to be stale and foul-smelling.

Asked why he hit the canteen staffer, Gaikwad said, "I am an MLA and a warrior. I lost control after my complaints remained unheard. Despite several complaints if nobody pays attention, what should one do? Should I die? I have no regret about my actions."

The issue was raised in the legislative council by opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Anil Parab, who accused Gaikwad of being high on power, and said such incidents also damage the image of CM Fadnavis.

Fadnavis said, “Such a conduct does not behove anyone. It impacts the image of the state legislature and as an MLA.”

"A wrong message goes among people about all MLAs that there is misuse of power," he said.

Amol Mitkari, MLC of Shiv Sena's ally NCP, said he does not endorse Gaikwad's action but the issues he raised were valid.

"The food quality at the canteen is poor. There should be some improvements," he said.

Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member Priyanka Chaturvedi also criticised Gaikwad for his behaviour.

"Meet Shah Sena's MLA Sanjay Gaikwad. Last year he had threatened & announced 11 lakh rupees to anyone who cuts off Sh. Rahul Gandhi's tongue. Now the man is seen beating up a poor helpless canteen worker. But wait no news TV outrage here since its a BJP ally," Chaturvedi posted on X.

This is not the first time that Gaikwad has been embroiled in a controversy.

In September 2024, Gaikwad said he will give Rs 11 lakh to anyone chopping off Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's tongue for his remarks on scrapping the reservation system. The Buldhana police later registered a case against him.

In April 2025, Gaikwad made some objectionable remarks on police, but expressed regret after being rebuked by Fadnavis.

Earlier, a video of Gaikwad thrashing a youth with a stick went viral in March last year. Gaikwad later said he beat up the youth as he was part of an anti-social gang and had hit a policeman.