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Lungi, baniyan protest rocks Maharashtra Assembly over Slapgate MLA Sanjay Gaikwad

Opposition lawmakers dressed in lungis and baniyans condemned Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad for slapping a hostel employee and making communal remarks targeting the Shetty community.

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In a dramatic show of protest, opposition lawmakers from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) staged a unique demonstration outside the Maharashtra Assembly, donning lungis and baniyans to slam Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad over a viral video in which he is seen slapping a canteen employee at the Akashvani MLA hostel in Churchgate, Mumbai.

What Sparked the Controversy?

The incident, now being widely referred to as “Slapgate,” unfolded last week when Sanjay Gaikwad, the Shiv Sena MLA from Buldhana, physically assaulted a hostel canteen staffer, Yogesh Kutran, allegedly over stale food. Gaikwad claimed the dal and rice served to him were foul-smelling, and when complaints over the past two to three years yielded no action, he confronted and slapped the employee in anger.

The confrontation, caught on camera, triggered widespread outrage and demands for accountability. Gaikwad, however, showed no remorse and doubled down on his actions, stating in media interviews that he “knew the road was wrong but it led to the right outcome.” He also alleged that the assault helped trigger action, as the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration subsequently cancelled the canteen’s license.

Opposition’s ‘Lungi-Baniyan’ Protest: A Symbolic Outcry

Leading the protest, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Ambadas Danve and NCP(SP) leader Jitendra Awhad, along with other legislators, wore towels as lungis and baniyans (vests), parodying what they termed the ruling alliance’s descent into “goonda raj.” Placards and slogans condemned the “chaddi-baniyan gang,” mocking the erosion of public dignity in political circles.

Danve denounced the government’s alleged inaction, accusing it of protecting violent elements in its fold. Fellow protester Sachin Ahir echoed the sentiment, arguing that a mere non-cognisable complaint was insufficient and demanded a formal FIR against Gaikwad.

Sanjay Gaikwad’s Defense and Communal Undertones

Defiant and unapologetic, Gaikwad continued defending his actions, asserting that he would not hesitate to repeat them if provoked similarly. During a televised interview, he walked out when pressed on his conduct.

More disturbingly, Gaikwad’s justification took a communal turn. He blamed the Shetty community—primarily from coastal Karnataka—for “defaming” Maharashtra’s culture, referencing dance bars and other establishments. His comments, particularly targeting a southern community involved in the food industry, have drawn sharp criticism for being xenophobic and casteist.

Political Fallout and Public Response

The incident has escalated political tensions in Maharashtra, exposing deep fissures between the ruling Eknath Shinde-led alliance and the opposition bloc. Gaikwad’s statements have added a layer of regional and communal friction, with civil society and opposition leaders demanding legal and ethical accountability.

Despite widespread public condemnation and media scrutiny, there has been no confirmation of punitive action against Gaikwad from the Shiv Sena or the state government.

Conclusion: An Evolving Political Flashpoint

The ‘Slapgate’ episode underscores growing concern over political entitlement and the use of violence under the guise of grievance redressal. While opposition theatrics have amplified public awareness, the real question remains: Will Maharashtra’s ruling dispensation act decisively, or will this be yet another instance of impunity for the powerful?

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DMK leader’s son arrested after car rams family in Krishnagiri, one dead

A 20-year-old son of a DMK leader has been arrested for allegedly driving a car into four members of a family in Krishnagiri, killing assistant labour inspector Sivamoorthy.

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DMK leader

A 20-year-old son of a leader from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has been arrested for allegedly mowing down four members of a family following a heated argument in Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri district. One person died in the incident, police said.

The deceased has been identified as Sivamoorthy, an assistant labour inspector and a resident of Krishnagiri. According to the police, the incident occurred outside his residence after the accused, identified as Adithya, objected to a two-wheeler parked on the road.

Police said Adithya was driving the car and began honking as the two-wheeler was blocking the road. Sivamoorthy and his family members reportedly stepped out to move the vehicle. During the exchange that followed, an altercation broke out.

Investigators allege that Adithya then rammed his car into Sivamoorthy, his son Kirubakaran, daughter-in-law Amsavalli and granddaughter Nilani. Sivamoorthy sustained severe injuries and later succumbed. The others were injured in the incident.

Besides Adithya, two of his friends — Rithik Kumar and Harish — who were present in the car at the time, have also been arrested. A case of murder has been registered against the trio and further investigation is underway.

Kirubakaran, recounting the incident, said the family had attempted to move the parked two-wheeler when the accused damaged it. He alleged that the men appeared intoxicated and tried to assault them with a stick before the vehicle was driven into the family.

Amsavalli said they had tried to defuse the situation peacefully but the confrontation turned violent, resulting in her father-in-law’s death and injuries to her child.

A police officer stated that Adithya’s father is a local functionary of the DMK in Krishnagiri district. The victim’s family has demanded strict action in the case.

Reacting to the incident, state BJP chief Nainar Nagendran criticised the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, questioning the state government over the episode and alleging that party functionaries were misusing their influence.

Police said the probe is ongoing.

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Security tightened across Delhi metro stations after bomb threat emails

Delhi is on high alert after bomb threat emails targeted metro stations, the Red Fort and the Assembly. Authorities confirmed the threats were hoaxes but tightened security as a precaution.

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Delhi Metro

Security has been intensified across all metro stations and major installations in the national capital after a series of bomb threat emails were received on Monday. Authorities later confirmed that the threats were hoaxes following detailed inspections by security agencies.

According to officials, several key institutions — including the Delhi Secretariat, Delhi Assembly, the Red Fort and two schools — received threatening emails earlier in the day. Extensive searches were carried out at all the locations mentioned in the messages, but nothing suspicious was found.

A senior police officer said cyber teams are working to trace the origin of the emails. Preliminary findings suggest that the senders may have used Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in an attempt to conceal their identities and mislead investigators. Officials expressed confidence that those responsible would be identified.

Metro stations under heightened surveillance

Following specific references to metro services in the emails, security arrangements were strengthened across the entire network of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. Additional personnel have been deployed at stations, and anti-sabotage checks are being conducted.

Police said random frisking of passengers and intensified CCTV surveillance are being carried out as part of precautionary measures. Bomb disposal squads and dog squads were stationed at sensitive sites, including the Red Fort, Delhi Secretariat and the Assembly complex.

The threatening emails reportedly included the slogan “Delhi banega Khalistan” and warned of explosions at an Army school, the Assembly and the Red Fort at specific times during the day. Officials stated that all mentioned locations were thoroughly checked and declared safe.

Authorities also coordinated with counterparts in neighbouring states to enhance security at metro stations falling under their jurisdictions.

While no explosives were found, officials said the tightened security arrangements will remain in place as a precaution. Cyber teams continue efforts to trace the IP addresses and identify those behind the threat emails.

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JNU protest turns violent as Left and Right student groups trade charges

A late-night protest at JNU turned violent as Left and ABVP student groups accused each other of stone-throwing and attacks near the East Gate.

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JNU Protest

Tension gripped the campus of Jawaharlal Nehru University in the early hours of Monday after a protest march allegedly spiralled into violence, with rival student groups accusing each other of triggering the unrest.

Students claimed that the incident occurred around 1.30 am when a confrontation broke out during a march called by the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union. The protest, named “Samta Juloos”, was headed towards the East Gate and was organised to demand the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit and the withdrawal of a rustication order.

According to protesters, several students were injured after alleged stone-throwing during the clash. They alleged that the university administration did not intervene during the march and instead permitted members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad to confront demonstrators.

However, the ABVP denied the allegations and countered that Left-affiliated organisations instigated the confrontation and were spreading misinformation about the events.

Left-backed groups, including the All India Students’ Association, claimed that ABVP activists targeted the JNUSU encampment and hurled stones at “unarmed students”, leading to multiple injuries.

Videos shared by students on social media reportedly showed chaotic scenes near the protest site, with members of rival groups engaged in heated exchanges and physical scuffles.

University authorities did not immediately respond to queries regarding the incident. Students said the situation on campus remained tense following the overnight clashes.

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