Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took a firm stand after a video of Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad assaulting a canteen operator over the alleged poor quality of food served to him went viral, calling the act “unacceptable.”
Fadnavis responded sharply to the viral clip showing Gaikwad thrashing the canteen staff, saying the action was “not honourable to anyone.”
“Such conduct does not send the right message. Such behaviour is unacceptable and not honourable to anyone. Gaikwad’s action as an MLA has tarnished the reputation of all legislators,” the Chief Minister said.
Fadnavis’s statement came in response to Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Anil Parab raising the issue in the Maharashtra Assembly, accusing the ruling alliance of political highhandedness.
“A wrong message goes among people about all MLAs — that there is a misuse of power,” Fadnavis said, adding that if there are any issues regarding the quality of food at the canteen, complaints can be made formal, and necessary action would be taken.
“But assault by public representatives does not send out the right message. This is a serious issue. You (Council Chairman Ram Shinde) and Speaker (Rahul Narwekar) take cognisance of it and take appropriate further action,” he said in the House.
Gaikwad, a two-term legislator from Buldana, appeared furious in the viral video after alleging that the food, particularly the dal, served to him was stale. He claimed to have felt unwell shortly after consuming it.
However, the Sena MLA later told reporters he had no regrets about his actions. Citing Bal Thackeray, he said that those who are ignorant must be cracked down upon. He added that he had repeatedly raised the issue of poor quality food at the canteen, but the operators failed to act.
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