Eknath Shinde Speaks Out Against Violence After Shiv Sena MLA Assaults Canteen Staff

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde responded to the incident involving Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Gaikwad, who assaulted a worker at the MLAs' hostel canteen in Mumbai over allegedly receiving stale food.

Shinde expressed that while he does not condone violence, individuals have the right to pursue legal action for their grievances.

Addressing the situation, Shinde mentioned, \"He vomited, which angered him, and he reacted that way. Although I don't support violence, if there is any problem, we have the right to take legal action, but beating someone is not right,\" Shinde told PTI.

Shinde's remarks followed a video circulating online showing Gaikwad slapping the canteen worker at the Akashvani MLA hostel on Tuesday night. This action drew criticism from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who stated, \"Such conduct does not send the right message.\"

After the video went viral, Gaikwad defended his actions by claiming he was served substandard food. He also mentioned issues like rodents in the kitchen and foreign objects found in the food by multiple people. Gaikwad justified his response as a \"Shiv Sena style\" due to his unresolved complaints about food quality.

\"I have been visiting the MLAs' hostel for the last 10-15 years and have raised complaints several times. On Tuesday night, when I went down to meet the canteen staff, others also admitted that the food I received was not just bad in taste, but rotten and stinking,\" Gaikwad told PTI.

Asserting no remorse for his actions, Gaikwad stated, \"I am an MLA and a warrior. I lost control after my complaints were ignored. If no one pays attention despite repeated complaints, what should one do? Should I remain silent? I have no regrets about my actions.\"

According to the source: Mint.