FDA Suspends Mumbai MLA Canteen Caterer's License After Shiv Sena Leader Sanjay Gaikwad's Slapgate Over 'Stale Food'

Mumbai: The Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has suspended the license of Ajanta Caterers, the service provider for the MLA hostel canteen in Mumbai, following an incident where Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad assaulted a staff member over complaints of stale food.

The suspension is based on violations of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and relevant licensing regulations. The FDA's suspension order was issued after inspectors inspected the Akashwani MLA hostel, prompting Ajanta Caterers to cease operations immediately.

The FDA representative mentioned that the team arrived at the MLA hotel canteen facility at approximately 11 am and gathered samples of dal, paneer, schezwan chutney, and reusable oil from there. The officer mentioned that the reports will be released in 14 days

Sanjay Gaikwad, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MLA from Buldhana, faced backlash after allegedly attacking a canteen staff member at the MLA Guest House in Mumbai over stale food. A viral video shows him physically confronting the staff, expressing anger over the quality of meals, which he claimed included stale and unhygienic items, leading to complaints from other diners.

Gaikwad's violent reaction included punches and kicks when he confronted the kitchen staff about the alleged poor quality of dal, which he equated to a health hazard for the numerous patrons relying on the canteen.

MLA Sanjay Gaikwad Physically Abuses Canteen Staff VIDEO:

Despite the controversy, Gaikwad had defended his actions earlier, stating he would react similarly in the future if faced with the same situation. He highlighted a history of complaints about the food quality at the Akashwani canteen, which he has frequented for 30 years, claiming conditions had not improved.

After a video of the incident has gone viral, causing outrage, opposition leaders calling for Gaikwad’s immediate resignation. In the assembly, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anil Parab urged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to suspend Gaikwad. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis acknowledged that Gaikwad's conduct was unacceptable and harmed the public's perception of legislators.

Fadnavis condemned the violence, emphasising that the actions of an individual MLA reflect on all, and stated that the Speaker should determine appropriate actions regarding the incident.

'I admit my conduct was wrong...' MLA Sanjay Gaikwad

After facing criticism over his actions, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MLA Sanjay Gaikwad apologised for his behaviour while talking with media agencies today. He stated that after Maharashtra FDA suspended the licence of a caterer at the MLA hostel, Gaikwad acknowledged his wrong conduct but emphasized his intent to address poor food quality, claiming support from his associates against critics in the Vidhan Sabha.

"I admit that my conduct was wrong, however, the objective was right. People were being served bad food, it will stop now. Supporters and staff of those who are speaking against me in Vidhan Sabha are also supporting me," MLA Sanjay Gaikwad stated to PTI.-