A Shiv Sena legislator has ignited a new controversy after reportedly attacking a canteen staff member at the MLA Guest House in Mumbai.

This incident follows closely on the heels of an assault by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers on a shopkeeper in Mira Road, who was attacked for refusing to converse in Marathi, sparking a significant political uproar.

Sanjay Gaikwad, the representative for Buldhana, expressed dissatisfaction with the food quality at the MLA guest house canteen. In reaction to the subpar food, he allegedly confronted the staff and, along with others, physically assaulted one of the canteen workers.

The altercation reportedly occurred at the state-operated guest house where numerous legislators are residing during the Maharashtra Assembly’s Monsoon Session. Witnesses indicate that the clash between the canteen staff and the Shiv Sena MLA escalated rapidly, resulting in physical altercations.

Currently, there has been no official comment from Sanjay Gaikwad or the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) concerning the incident.

This event unfolds amidst ongoing political tensions between the MNS and the Mahayuti government, which is led by the BJP, over the MNS’s vigorous campaign advocating for the use of Marathi among the state’s residents.

Raj Thackeray, the party leader, faced severe backlash after videos surfaced showing MNS workers allegedly attacking a north Indian shopkeeper for not speaking Marathi and coercing him to comply. In light of the criticism, Raj Thackeray directed his workers to “beat them but don’t record videos.”

This incident has sparked a vigorous political discussion both within Maharashtra and on a national level, with leaders from various parties condemning the violence and demanding accountability.

Meanwhile, the MNS has defended its position, asserting that any affront to the Marathi language will provoke a strong response from the party.