Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday criticized sharply Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad for physically assaulting a canteen worker at the MLA hostel in Mumbai.
While discussing the matter in the Assembly, Fadnavis stated that the act was not proper and undermined the dignity of the state legislature.
"Such behavior does not become anyone. It reflects on the reputation of the state legislature, and being an MLA," Fadnavis said in the House, responding to the much-criticized episode.
He pointed out that complaints about food quality can be handled through official channels. "If there is any problem with the food, a complaint can be lodged formally and action taken on it," the Chief Minister said.
Pointing towards the possible consequences of such action, he went on, "A wrong message goes among people about all MLAs that there is misuse of power."
Fadnavis asked both Council Chairman Ram Shinde and Speaker Rahul Narwekar to take necessary actions on the issue. "I request you (council chairman Ram Shinde) to check the issue of accommodation of MLAs. If there is some problem there, then action can be taken. But assault by public representatives is not a good message. This is a serious issue. You (Shinde) and Speaker (Rahul Narwekar) take note of it to take further action accordingly."
The row broke out when Shiv Sena (Shinde group) MLA Sanjay Gaikwad reportedly slapped a canteen worker in the hostel canteen after complaining about being served stale food. The scuffle took place at the Akashvani MLA hostel and was captured on camera, which soon went viral on social media sites.
In the video, Gaikwad can be seen abusing the staff, not paying for the food, and slapping one of the canteen workers at the billing counter. As per reports, Gaikwad had called for dal and rice to his room on Tuesday evening and was angry to find the food spoiled. He then approached the canteen staff, made them smell the food, and slapped one of the attendants in the process.
Rationalizing his behavior, Gaikwad asserted, "I had complained about the quality of the food two or three times previously. This time, however, the food was completely unacceptable. I shall bring this matter in the current legislature."
Referring to a statement to PTI, he further added, "When someone does not understand democratic language, then I have to (use) this language only," and showed no regret over the episode.
The MLA's act enraged both parties. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi condemned him, stating his attitude was shameful. "If he did not enjoy that food, then it is well within his rights and powers to adopt legal procedure. But he proceeded to beat that poor man. it is highly shameful," she added.
Congress MLA Dr. Jyoti Eknath Gaikwad also criticized the beating, saying that citizens have the right to good food but violence was not the solution. "He should have been questioned under the rules," she said, and added, "He (Sanjay Gaikwad) is the people's representative. If he does this, then what will the people do. Beating anyone is not a solution."
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