A Shiv Sena MLA, Sanjay Gaikwad, has sparked a major controversy following an incident where he slapped a canteen employee and subsequently made derogatory remarks about South Indians. The incident began with Gaikwad allegedly being served stale food at the Akashvani MLA hostel in Mumbai. Angered by this, he confronted and assaulted the canteen employee, a video of which went viral on social media, drawing widespread condemnation.
The controversy deepened when Gaikwad defended his actions and made disparaging comments about South Indians, claiming that they should not be given food contracts because they "run dance bars and ladies bars" and do not know how to serve good food. He further stated that Marathi people would not show any laxity in serving fresh food if they were allowed to run the canteen. "Why was a contractor named Shetty given the contract? Give it to a Marathi person. They know what we eat and will give us good quality food," he said. These remarks have been widely criticized as divisive and offensive.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned Gaikwad's actions, stating that such behavior undermines the decorum of the House. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also reprimanded Gaikwad, saying that he should have resorted to legal measures instead of violence. Despite the criticism, Gaikwad has remained unapologetic, asserting that he does not regret his actions and would repeat them if necessary. "If someone doesn't understand democratic language, then I have to use this kind of language," he stated. He also claimed that his actions led to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) canceling the canteen's license due to substandard food quality.
The FDA inspected the canteen and found unhygienic conditions, leading to the suspension of the contractor's license. Gaikwad defended his actions by saying, "My method may have been wrong, but the goal was right. I will hit again if needed". He further argued that his actions were to protect the health of the people, as the canteen served substandard food to thousands.
Gaikwad's remarks have ignited a fresh row, with critics slamming his statements as divisive and offensive towards the South Indian community. The opposition has also condemned his actions, questioning his conduct as a public representative. Some have pointed out the long-standing contributions of the Shetty community to Maharashtra, particularly in the hospitality industry, and criticized Gaikwad for generalizing and blaming an entire community for one incident. The Indian Hotels & Restaurants Association (AHAR) is planning a token strike after the government imposed a triple whammy of taxes on the hospitality sector.
The incident has raised concerns about the behavior of elected officials and the need for more responsible and inclusive rhetoric. It also highlights the importance of addressing grievances through proper channels rather than resorting to violence and discriminatory remarks.
