Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) MLA Sanjay Gaikwad has sparked a major political and social uproar yet again, just a day after he was caught on video physically assaulting a canteen manager at the Akashwani MLA hostel in Mumbai. In a new and deeply controversial statement on Thursday, the Buldhana legislator targeted South Indians, questioning their presence in Maharashtra’s hospitality sector and accusing them of "corrupting the culture" of the state.
In an interview given to India Today TV, Gaikwad questioned why a contractor with the surname "Shetty" was given the MLA hostel canteen contract. He said, “Why was a contractor named Shetty given the contract? Give it to a Marathi person. They know our culture and food. South Indians run dance bars and ladies bars, and they are the reason our youth are going astray. How can they serve good food when they are spoiling our culture?”
His remarks triggered a storm of criticism from political opponents, civil society groups, and even within his own ruling coalition. Many have slammed his comments as divisive, xenophobic, and blatantly communal, accusing Gaikwad of stoking regional hatred and tarnishing Maharashtra’s image as an inclusive state.
This follows the widely condemned incident in which Gaikwad was seen slapping and punching the canteen manager after allegedly being served stale dal and rice. The video, which went viral across platforms, showed Gaikwad forcing the contractor to smell a food packet before launching a violent assault. He was seen shirtless and wrapped in a towel, as he repeatedly struck the man even as he fell to the floor. The MLA later boasted that he taught the contractor a lesson “in my style”.
Even after widespread backlash, Gaikwad has remained unapologetic. He doubled down on both the physical attack and his latest comments, claiming that while his method may have been questionable, his intent was justified. “The licence has been suspended, the manager was responsible. I will hit again if someone repeats such acts. Why should contractors who don’t understand our food be given such work? Give contracts to Marathi people who respect our culture,” he said.
