Watch: After canteen assault video goes viral, Shiv Sena MLA stirs new row; targets Shetty community | India News
NEW DELHI: A day after physically assaulting a canteen worker over alleged stale food, Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad sparked further controversy by targeting the Shetty community, claiming they are “ruining the culture of Maharashtra.“Speaking to news agency PTI, Gaikwad accused members of the Shetty community of establishing questionable businesses in Mumbai, particularly dance bars, which he claims have deteriorated the city’s environment.“To those accusing me, I ask why they do not speak against the Shetty people who came to Maharashtra and ruined the culture. I am not naming the South, but those in business—dance bars, ladies’ bars, hotels, and other bars—have spoiled the environment,” Gaikwad said.“Even Balasaheb Thackeray had launched a campaign against them. Those who ruined Maharashtra’s culture, looted and destroyed our youth—their businesses should be stopped because of this. I question these parties: why don’t you speak against those who have defamed our Maharashtra and ruined our culture? You talk about me, but why don’t you talk about them?” he added.The MLA attempted to justify his stance by invoking concerns about youth corruption and cultural degradation, though he acknowledged his violent approach was inappropriate.“I am informing you that action was taken against the manager yesterday afternoon, and he was also suspended. He was not a waiter; let me clarify that first,” Gaikwad said.“My intention was good, but my path was wrong,” the Sena MLA added, while pointing out that the incident led to the FDA canceling the canteen’s license.On Wednesday, Shiv Sena’s Buldhana MLA thrashed a staffer and manhandled another at the Akashwani MLAs’ hostel canteen in Mumbai’s Colaba, drawing condemnation not only from the opposition but also from CM Fadnavis and his party chief, DCM Eknath Shinde.The state FDA suspended the licence of the contractor who runs the Akashwani MLA hostel canteen following allegations of stale food made by Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad. FDA officials collected food samples from the canteen; they said the licence will stay suspended until a decision is made based on the lab report on the quality of the food. The FDA is expected to submit its report in two weeks.FDA officials stated the action was suo motu. “Samples of 16 food items were collected,” an official said. This included the dal which Gaikwad claimed was spoiled. A source close to FDA minister Narhari Zirwal said, “Samples have been sent to the department’s lab in Bandra for analysis.” The most recent inspection of the canteen was in February, officials said.
