"Unacceptable": Maharashtra CM Fadnavis slams Shiv Sena MLA Gaikwad amid slap row

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 9 (ANI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday condemned the alleged assault incident involving Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, who was caught in a video slapping a canteen worker at the Akashvani MLA Guest House in Mumbai over poor food quality.
Speaking in the State Legislative Council, Fadnavis stated that such behaviour is unacceptable and not honourable for anyone. CM emphasised that Gaikwad's actions as an MLA have tarnished the reputation of all legislators. He also highlighted the need for accountability among public representatives.
Commenting on the incident, BJP MLA Ram Kadam said, "Violence should not be supported. However, the contractor is at fault too. This too should not be ignored..."
The remarks come after the viral video of Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad allegedly beating a "poor, helpless" canteen worker went viral on social media. Gaikwad, an MLA from Buldhan, stated his repeated pleas to the canteen staff to serve quality food fell to deaf ears.
Though Shiv Sena MLA issued a clarification after a purported video became controversial.
"I have been coming to the Akashwani canteen for 30 years and staying here for 5.5 years. I have repeatedly requested that they serve good food. Eggs 15 days old, non-veg 15-20 days old, vegetables 2-4 days old. Nearly 5,000-10,000 people eat here, and everyone has the same complaint. Someone has a lizard in their food, and someone has a rat or a rope," alleged an angry Sanjay Gaikwad
He also recounted that he gave an order for food at 10 PM on Tuesday and complained to the staff about the quality of the food.
"I ordered food at 10 PM yesterday, and after having the first bite, I felt there was something wrong... After smelling it, I found it was stale food. I went down and asked the manager who made it. I made everyone smell the food, and all of them found it stale. I explained to them again that they should make clean and good food, eating poison-like food is a health hazard... If they do not still listen, then I have my own way of making them understand..."
He further alleged that rodents are roaming in the kitchen, and action should be taken to address the problem.
"Every year, the government receives thousands of complaints, and I don't know why they are ignored, why is it not being inquired? Rats and dirt are present in the kitchen... This should be checked, but no one seems to care... I request an action on the same so that people's health is not played with."
Following the incident, Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray alleged a conspiracy meant to defame Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Shiv Sena UBT MP Priyanka Chaturvedi criticised strongly the ruling Mahayuti government in Maharashtra. (ANI)