Who Is Sanjay Gaikwad? Shiv Sena MLA With A 'Punch', Abuses And Trail Of Controversies

Last Updated:July 10, 2025, 10:09 IST

After punching MLA canteen staff, Gaikwad, said he did not regret it, adding he did it to "teach a lesson to them". "I am not sorry for it," he said, speaking to CNN-News18.

Sanjay Gaikwad is Shiv Sena MLA (Shinde faction) from Buldhana in Maharashtra.

Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MLA Sanjay Gaikwad has once again triggered massive outrage — this time for physically assaulting the manager of the MLA canteen and for making shocking derogatory remarks about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Just days ago, a video went viral showing Gaikwad angrily punching the manager of the MLA canteen inside the Maharashtra Legislature premises. His alleged reason? The quality of food served was not up to his mark. The clip shows Gaikwad, surrounded by his aides, landing blows and threatening the staff, in an incident that has drawn condemnation from all corners.

Gaikwad, however, said he did not regret what he did adding he did it to “teach a lesson to them". “I am not sorry for it," he said, speaking to CNN-News18 on Thursday. Gaikwad said, “I will be speaking CM and deputy CM and will tell them my case. I have complained many a times about the food, not only me, but several MLAs have complained. You know how government officials work, how much they listen to ministers and MLAs, you all know."

If that wasn’t enough, last week Gaikwad stirred fresh anger by using foul language while speaking about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj — the valiant son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and one of Maharashtra’s most revered warrior kings. In his controversial comment, Gaikwad belittled Sambhaji Maharaj’s famed knowledge of multiple languages and shockingly called him “fool," sparking widespread backlash from historians, opposition parties and even some within his own party.

These fresh controversies add to a long list of public outbursts and headline-grabbing incidents that have come to define Sanjay Gaikwad’s political career. Representing Buldhana constituency, Gaikwad is known for his aggressive street-level politics, fiery speeches and non-diplomatic language. His brash style may have helped him consolidate a loyal voter base locally, but it has repeatedly embarrassed the Shiv Sena (now Shinde faction) leadership in the state.

Gaikwad’s list of controversies is long. In 2021, during the peak of the COVID-19 crisis, he infamously threatened to “strip and burn Prime Minister Narendra Modi alive" while protesting vaccine shortages. The statement triggered national outrage and forced senior Sena leaders to distance themselves, though no serious disciplinary action followed.

Recently, he was in the spotlight again for allegedly obscene remarks caught on video — remarks that opposition leader Aditya Thackeray slammed as “vulgar and disgraceful". Thackeray demanded immediate action, saying, “It is necessary to bring such people down to size."

Gaikwad has also been caught on camera threatening and abusing government officers and local body officials who he felt were not toeing his line. On more than one occasion, he has stormed into meetings, hurling abuses and issuing veiled threats, with the local administration forced to bear his outbursts in silence.

Despite these repeated controversies, Gaikwad has managed to hold on to his seat and continues to wield influence within the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction). His ability to mobilise votes and maintain a loyal cadre makes him useful during elections, but his repeated public misbehaviour is fast turning him into a liability for Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. As Maharashtra’s opposition steps up the demand for strict action, the big question remains: Though his action was condemned by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, one question still remains unanswered – Will Gaikwad face real consequences this time — or will he once again escape with just a slap on the wrist?

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