“Chaddi-Baniyan” Protest Rocks Maharashtra Assembly: Opposition Slams Shiv Sena Over Alleged Assault
Opposition MLAs staged a “chaddi-baniyan” protest outside Maharashtra Assembly after a Shiv Sena MLA allegedly assaulted a canteen worker. Political drama unfolds ahead of elections
NewsSutra
High drama unfolded outside the Maharashtra Assembly on July 15, as opposition MLAs staged a satirical “Chaddi-Baniyan” protest, targeting the Shiv Sena faction over an alleged assault on a legislative canteen worker. The political stunt, which saw legislators from the Congress, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and other opposition parties donning undergarments over their clothes and waving symbolic food trays, drew both laughter and outrage.
The trigger? A serious accusation that Shiv Sena MLA Prakash Lad reportedly slapped and abused a legislative canteen employee on July 13, allegedly due to dissatisfaction with the quality of food served—specifically stale chapatis and watery dal. The incident has snowballed into a full-blown controversy, with the opposition accusing the ruling party of high-handedness, arrogance, and moral decay, just months before the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections.
The Alleged Assault: What Happened?
The controversy erupted when media reports and videos surfaced showing a heated altercation in the Vidhan Bhavan canteen. According to witnesses, MLA Prakash Lad became visibly agitated after being served food he deemed unfit for consumption.
Eyewitnesses claimed Lad verbally abused and slapped a staff member who tried to explain that the canteen was short-staffed due to recent rains affecting supply chains. The worker has not yet filed an official complaint, but union representatives confirmed they have submitted a memorandum demanding disciplinary action and workplace protections.
The incident immediately sparked criticism, with opposition parties terming it a “reflection of the ruling party’s culture of entitlement.”
The Protest: Symbolism with Satire
In a highly choreographed display, a group of nearly 30 opposition MLAs walked to the Assembly gates wearing oversized “chaddis” (shorts) and “baniyans” (vests) over their kurta-pajamas. Holding placards that read “Chaddi-Baniyan Gang Murdabad” and “We Stand With Canteen Workers,” the MLAs mocked the Sena for what they called its “goonda raj inside the legislature.”
Congress MLA Varsha Gaikwad, speaking to the press, stated:
“They act like bullies, they eat like kings, and when food isn’t up to their taste, they think slapping a poor worker is acceptable. We want to show the public how low the government has sunk. This is not satire—it’s resistance.”
Senior NCP leader Jitendra Awhad also chimed in:
“We are here to expose the Shiv Sena’s dual face. On one side, they talk about ‘Marathi Asmita,’ and on the other, they abuse the very workers who serve them. This is why the public no longer trusts them.”
Shiv Sena’s Response: Defensiveness and Deflection
The Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) issued a strong rebuttal, accusing the opposition of “theatrics and deliberate misinformation.” MLA Prakash Lad denied any physical assault, claiming he merely raised a concern over poor hygiene and was misquoted.
He said in a statement:
“I did not hit anyone. I only said the food was not up to standard. It is unfortunate that a routine complaint has been twisted into political propaganda.”
However, sources within the Assembly staff have confirmed that security footage has been reviewed by internal administrative officers. While the footage has not yet been made public, calls for its release are growing louder.
Shiv Sena spokesperson Sheetal Mhatre went further, alleging:
“This is nothing but a media-driven conspiracy to defame us. These opposition MLAs have no work, no agenda. Hence, they stage protests in underwear.”
Legal and Institutional Repercussions
The Vidhan Bhavan staff union has written to Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, demanding:
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A formal apology from the MLA involved
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A code of conduct for legislators inside the premises
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Compensation and legal protection for assaulted employees
While the Speaker has not yet issued a direct statement, Assembly sources indicate a preliminary inquiry committee may be set up, especially in light of media pressure and public scrutiny.
Constitutional experts suggest that any proven misconduct within legislative premises could attract privilege motions, censure, or even suspension.
Wider Political Fallout: A Pre-Election Flashpoint
With Assembly elections in Maharashtra due in October 2024, the controversy has sparked speculation about how this may impact the ruling coalition’s public image. The MahaYuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde), and NCP (Ajit Pawar), is already facing flak over inflation, water shortages, and agrarian distress in Marathwada and Vidarbha.
This protest adds to the growing perception—especially among urban and semi-urban voters—that the alliance is becoming tone-deaf to everyday concerns.
Political analyst Pradeep Jadhav noted:
“The ‘chaddi-baniyan’ protest may seem comical, but it’s effective. It uses spectacle to draw attention to real issues—abuse of power, class privilege, and declining institutional accountability.”
Media and Public Reactions
Social media exploded with reactions ranging from hilarity to condemnation. On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #ChaddiBaniyanGang, #SenaSlapsStaff, and #AssemblyDrama began trending in Maharashtra by the afternoon of July 15.
Many users praised the opposition’s creative protest, while others criticized both sides for “lowering the dignity of the legislature.”
Leading media houses also took note:
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The Indian Express ran the headline: “Canteen Rage Sparks Assembly Chaos”
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Loksatta highlighted: “When Politics Goes to Underwear: Assembly Sees Symbolic Uprising”
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NDTV aired a prime-time debate titled: “Food Fight or Power Play?”
Meanwhile, a group of civil society organizations, including the People’s Union for Democratic Rights (PUDR) and Jan Arogya Abhiyan, called for a code of ethical behaviour for elected officials, citing rising incidents of political bullying.
Cultural and Social Resonance: Why the Protest Worked
The protest’s visual nature—leveraging the symbolism of undergarments—struck a cultural chord. In Indian sociopolitical context, “chaddi-baniyan” is often a metaphor for undisciplined or thuggish behaviour, especially when associated with muscle power or working-class aggression.
By using this language against the Shiv Sena, traditionally known for its street-fighting political style, the opposition reversed the narrative, portraying themselves as champions of the underdog—both figuratively and literally.
Social theorist and writer Dr. Neeta Sawant commented:
“It was a masterstroke in performative resistance. In a media-saturated age, visual protests communicate more than speeches. The message was clear: legislators cannot act like feudal lords inside public institutions.”
What Happens Next?
As pressure mounts, it is expected that:
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The Assembly Speaker will call for a closed-door inquiry
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Shiv Sena leadership may issue an internal warning or statement of clarification
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Opposition parties are likely to escalate the issue in the upcoming monsoon session, possibly moving a privilege motion or symbolic walkout
Moreover, if the victimized canteen worker decides to pursue legal action, the matter could take on a judicial dimension, potentially implicating the MLA under Section 323 of the Indian Penal Code (voluntarily causing hurt).
Final Thoughts: A Flashpoint of Governance and Ethics
The “Chaddi-Baniyan” protest, while satirical in execution, underscores a serious issue—the declining moral compass in public service spaces. As Maharashtra grapples with larger challenges like urban flooding, education reform, and unemployment, such incidents act as litmus tests for political accountability.
Whether this moment triggers meaningful policy reform or fades into another news cycle depends largely on institutional response and public pressure. But for now, one thing is clear: the corridors of power in Maharashtra are being watched more closely than ever—and every slap, word, or protest is under the scanner.
