Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad’s “Slapgate” Controversy Escalates with Xenophobic Remarks Against Shetty Community

The controversy surrounding Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad has taken a disturbing turn. Just days after the “Slapgate” incident, where he physically assaulted a canteen staff member over allegedly “stale food,” Gaikwad now faces accusations of xenophobia for his remarks targeting the Shetty community.

Gaikwad Accuses Shetty Community of “Defaming” Maharashtra’s Culture

In an interview with NDTV, Gaikwad blamed the Shetty community, a surname common in the Bunt community of coastal Karnataka, for allegedly “playing with our lives for a long time” and “defaming” Maharashtra’s culture. This inflammatory statement has sparked outrage and condemnation.

From “Slapgate” to Xenophobia: A Timeline of the Controversy

The incident began when Gaikwad was caught on camera assaulting a canteen worker. He later boasted about the assault on live television. This initial act of violence has now been compounded by his divisive remarks against the Shetty community, further escalating the controversy.