High political drama unfolded on the steps of the Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan on Wednesday as opposition leaders staged a fierce protest against Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, who was caught on video assaulting a canteen manager at the Akashwani MLA Hostel. Donning red lungis and vests — the same outfit Gaikwad wore during the incident — protestors symbolically mocked the MLA’s behaviour, calling him part of a “Chaddi-Baniyan Gang.”

The protest was spearheaded by Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Ambadas Danve and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Jitendra Awhad, who raised slogans demanding action against Gaikwad. They slammed his actions as disgraceful and urged the government to set an example by holding him accountable.

The controversy stems from a violent altercation that occurred last Tuesday, where MLA Sanjay Gaikwad allegedly punched and kicked a hostel canteen manager over being served stale dal. Despite the Marine Drive police registering a non-cognisable offence, no formal complaint was lodged by the victim or the catering contractor, raising questions about institutional silence.

Gaikwad, unrepentant in his stance, later justified the assault by citing repeated complaints over food quality being ignored. He claimed, “I’ve been eating there for 30 years, and nothing has improved,” and warned of repeating his actions if faced with similar conditions again.

The viral video of the assault triggered massive outrage on social media and provoked bipartisan condemnation. Inside the assembly, Shiv Sena UBT leader Anil Parab demanded Gaikwad’s immediate suspension, arguing that such conduct from an elected representative threatens public trust and sets a dangerous precedent.

Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, responding to the uproar, condemned the violence and called it unacceptable. He stressed that such behaviour damages the credibility of the legislature and erodes public faith in democratic institutions.