Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 16: Opposition legislators from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) on Wednesday staged a dramatic protest outside the Maharashtra Assembly, donning 'lungis' and 'baniyans' to condemn the assault of a hostel canteen employee by Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad and the government’s silence over the incident.

Prominent leaders including Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Ambadas Danve and NCP (SP) leader Jitendra Awhad were seen protesting in inner vests and towels, raising slogans against what they called the "goonda raj" under the ruling alliance.

"The incident in the MLA canteen shows that the government is openly backing such elements," said Ambadas Danve, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council.

The protest comes after a viral video showed Buldhana MLA Sanjay Gaikwad slapping Yogesh Kutran, an employee at the Akashvani MLA hostel canteen in Churchgate. Sources said Gaikwad had ordered dinner but found the dal and rice stale. Enraged, he stormed into the canteen and physically assaulted the staffer.

Despite the backlash, Gaikwad refused to apologise, claiming he had slapped the canteen manager — "which is right," he added defiantly.

The opposition has demanded strict action against the MLA, while accusing the government of shielding him.