Mumbai, Correspondent
Amid the ongoing monsoon session of the Maharashtra Legislature, the Opposition Mahavikas Aghadi staged a unique protest on the steps of the Vidhan Bhavan on Tuesday, condemning Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MLA Sanjay Gaikwad’s alleged assault on a canteen staffer.
Raising slogans like "Chaddi-Banian gang, down down!" and "This hooligan government must go!", several opposition MLAs appeared at the protest site dressed in towels and vests (banian), drawing public and media attention to their symbolic gesture against the incident.
The protest stems from an incident where MLA Sanjay Gaikwad allegedly stormed into the canteen at the MLA hostel dressed only in a towel and vest and physically assaulted a canteen employee over complaints of poor-quality food. The incident has sparked widespread outrage among opposition parties.
Prominent leaders such as Ambadas Danve (Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council), newly appointed NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) state president Shashikant Shinde, senior MLA Jitendra Awhad, and Congress Legislative Council Leader Satej Patil led the protest. Placards mocking Gaikwad, including one depicting him in boxer shorts, also drew public attention.
While the assault incident continues to trigger political heat, another issue brewing is the delay in appointing the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, with only three days left in the session. The Opposition is expected to corner the ruling alliance over this issue as well, further intensifying confrontations inside the House.
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