• Source:JND
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The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cancelled the licence of the canteen at the Akashwani MLA Hostel in Mumbai, a day after a Shiv Sena MLA assaulted a staff member over allegedly stale food. The incident, caught on camera and widely shared online, shows MLA Sanjay Gaikwad punching and shoving the worker after being served dal he claimed was "stinking."

The incident took place on Tuesday, but the video surfaced a day later, sparking public outrage and raising questions about the conduct of elected representatives. Within hours, the FDA stepped in and collected food samples from the canteen, which was being operated by Ajanta Caterers. The findings prompted immediate cancellation of the licence.

The FDA inspection report revealed serious lapses in hygiene. Waste was found on the kitchen floor, which hadn’t been cleaned properly. There was no separation between vegetarian and non-vegetarian preparation areas, and no dedicated utensils for either. Workers were seen operating without gloves or uniforms and were using space near the kitchen as a changing room.

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Further inspection revealed open dustbins, egg shells on the floor, and cooked food stored dangerously close to waste areas. Raw vegetables were being kept directly on the floor, and food chopping was carried out on unclean, uneven wooden boards. Storage containers were rusted and dirty, ventilation was poor, and kitchen tiles were broken. Most alarmingly, the FDA discovered reused cooking oil with no documentation, rusty knives, and even dead flies in a pot of butter triggering the immediate cancellation of the canteen’s licence.

The canteen was operated by Ajanta Caterers. According to reports, MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, who belongs to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, had ordered a thali from the canteen. Claiming that the dal was “stinking,” Gaikwad reportedly summoned the cook and forced him to smell the food, later alleging he experienced cramps after consuming it.

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Defending his actions, MLA Gaikwad remained unapologetic. Speaking to reporters, he claimed he had raised food quality concerns several times in the past. "I had complained about the poor quality of food two or three times earlier. This time, the food was absolutely unacceptable. I will raise this issue in the ongoing legislature," he said.

In a statement to PTI, Gaikwad doubled down on his actions, saying, "When someone fails to understand democratic language, then I have to (use) this language only." He showed no remorse for his conduct, insisting the situation demanded strong action.

CM Fadnavis Slams Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad For Slapping Canteen Staff

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the MLA’s behaviour in the Assembly on Wednesday. "Such conduct does not send the right message," he said, adding that it tarnishes the image of the state legislature and elected representatives. "Such conduct does not behove anyone. It impacts the image of the state legislature, and as an MLA," Fadnavis added.

He also stressed that complaints regarding food quality should be handled through proper channels. "A wrong message goes among people about all MLAs that there is misuse of power," he said, calling the incident serious. Urging council chairman Ram Shinde and Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar to take note, he added, "You (Shinde) and Speaker (Rahul Narwekar) take cognisance of it to take further action accordingly."