Incident Unfolds

On July 9, 2025, a video went viral showing Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad violently confronting canteen staff at Mumbai’s Akashwani MLA hostel, claiming he was served stale dal and rice. The footage captured him slapping, punching, and forcing staff to smell the allegedly rotten food 0.

Immediate Government Response

In the wake of the assault, Maharashtra’s Food & Drug Administration (FDA) swiftly suspended the license of Ajanta Caterers, the canteen operator, for violations under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006. Inspectors collected samples from 16 items, including dal, paneer, sauces, oil, and vegetables—sending them to a Bandra laboratory with results expected in two weeks 1.

Health & Hygiene Violations

An FDA inspection uncovered 79 violations: unhygienic conditions, presence of flies and cockroaches, unsanitized utensils, unclean storage, reused oil, cross-contamination between veg and non-veg, and malfunctioning refrigeration—all contributing to the license suspension 2.

Political Fallout

Mumbai CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, from Gaikwad’s own party, condemned the assault. Fadnavis described the MLA’s behavior as “improper” and damaging to legislators’ reputation; Shinde stressed that grievances must be addressed legally, not violently 3.

MLA’s Justification

Gaikwad defended his actions, asserting he had complained multiple times. He claimed the stale food made him vomit, alleging the canteen served days-old eggs, non-veg dishes, and even sighted rats and lizards previously. “I am an MLA but I’m also a fighter,” he proclaimed 4.

Next Steps

Ajanta Caterers must halt all food operations immediately. The FDA will review lab results after 14 days. Legislative authorities may pursue further action if substandard food is confirmed. The incident has sparked discussion on politician conduct and food safety oversight 5.

Trivia & Quiz Facts

• License suspended: Ajanta Caterers at Akashwani MLA hostel.
• Sample count: 16 food items sent for testing.
• Violations found: 79 health and hygiene infractions.
• Political figures who condemned: CM Fadnavis & Dy CM Shinde.
• MLA’s words: “I am an MLA but I’m also a fighter.”

Conclusion

The incident highlights serious food safety issues at a government-run canteen and raises questions about political accountability. With license suspended and lab results awaited, the episode offers a detailed case study in oversight, hygiene standards, and the boundaries of public office behavior.

Source: Theprint