Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad is embroiled in a controversy after a video surfaced showing him assaulting a canteen worker at the Akashvani MLA hostel in Mumbai. The incident, sparked by Gaikwad's claim of being served stale food, has led to a police case against him and suspension of the canteen's license. However, the controversy deepened when Gaikwad made disparaging remarks against the Shetty community, accusing them of corrupting Maharashtra's culture.
The incident began when Gaikwad, the Shiv Sena MLA from Buldhana, ordered dinner at the Akashvani MLA hostel canteen. He alleged that the rice and dal he received were stale and foul-smelling. Enraged, Gaikwad confronted the canteen staff, resulting in him slapping and punching one of the employees. The video of the assault went viral, drawing condemnation from the opposition and even Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Following the incident, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suspended the canteen's license and collected food samples for testing.
Adding fuel to the fire, Gaikwad then targeted the Shetty community, claiming they are "ruining the culture of Maharashtra". He accused them of establishing questionable businesses in Mumbai, particularly dance bars, which he says have deteriorated the city's environment. Gaikwad went on to say that "the Shettys of the south have defamed Maharashtra's culture, be it in terms of dance bars or ladies bars". He further stated that "The people of Maharashtra have never run a dance bar or a ladies bar; they have never done such acts; only outsiders do such acts".
These remarks have sparked outrage and raised questions about who the Shetty community is and why they were targeted. The Shetty community is a common surname in the Bunt community that comes from coastal Karnataka. Bunts are an agricultural caste known for their distinct customs and traditions. They are primarily located in the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts of Karnataka. Over time, many members of the Shetty community have migrated to different parts of India and the world, becoming successful in various fields, including business, hospitality, and entertainment.
Gaikwad's statements have been criticized as xenophobic and discriminatory. Hoteliers attached to an association mainly representing the Shetty community's Udipi restaurants and bars, condemned Gaikwad's remarks and rubbished his allegations, saying the legislator had no understanding of how their hospitality had been an integral part of Mumbaikars' lives and Marathi culture for over a century.
In his defense, Gaikwad claimed that he has been receiving complaints about the poor quality of food at the canteen for a long time, but no action was taken. He also attempted to inject a Marathi vs South Indian angle into the controversy. "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. However, he also acknowledged that the "Shetty" contractor was his friend.
The controversy surrounding Sanjay Gaikwad highlights issues of cultural bias and discrimination. His actions have drawn condemnation from various quarters, and the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting inclusivity and respect for all communities.
