Mumbai Canteen Loses Licence After Shiv Sena MLA Assaults Staff Over ‘Stale Dal’
A canteen at the Akashwani MLA Hostel in Mumbai has lost its licence after Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad thrashed a staffer over allegedly stale dal, prompting a food safety inspection that revealed serious hygiene lapses. The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cancelled the licence following an inspection that found multiple violations in the Churchgate facility.
The incident occurred after Buldhana MLA Gaikwad, from the Eknath Shinde faction, punched and slapped the staffer, forcing him to sniff the dal he claimed was foul. Gaikwad remained defiant, telling the media, “I have no regrets. It was my personal decision, I don’t need anyone’s support.”
The assault triggered widespread criticism, with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stating, “MLA Sanjay Gaikwad’s behaviour is inappropriate and creates a negative perception about all legislators among the public.”
Following the incident, FDA officials collected food samples, which revealed unclean floors littered with waste, open dustbins near cooking areas, and improper separation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian preparations. Raw vegetables were stored on the floor, while chopping was conducted on unclean surfaces with chipped wooden boards. Rusty, dirty containers were used for storage, and dead flies were found in a butter pot. There was no system in place for pest control, and staff were working without gloves or uniforms.
Ajanta Caterers, which operates the canteen, was cited for poor ventilation, repeated reuse of cooking oil without documentation, and using rusty knives in the kitchen. The FDA report also highlighted uncovered cooked food, broken tiles, and the absence of a designated changing area for staff, who were changing clothes near the kitchen.
The canteen’s closure has led to inconvenience for several MLAs staying in the hostel, while the administration has stated that steps will be taken to restore hygienic food services soon. Social media reactions were divided, with many condemning the MLA’s assault, while others highlighted the need for strict action against unhygienic food services in government facilities.
