Sanjay Gaikwad’s Controversial Statements

Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad has sparked outrage with his recent comments targeting the Shetty community. This incident follows his earlier altercation with a canteen staff member over allegedly stale food, which he boasted about on live television. Gaikwad accused the Shetty community, originating from coastal Karnataka, of tarnishing Maharashtra’s cultural image. He specifically blamed them for the proliferation of dance bars and other establishments he deemed inappropriate.

Historical Background of the Shetty Community

The Shetty surname is commonly associated with the Bunt community from Karnataka’s Tulu region. This group claims descent from the Alupa dynasty, which ruled parts of modern-day Karnataka for over a millennium. Traditionally a warrior-aristocracy, the Bunts have maintained their cultural heritage through surnames like Shetty, Rai, Hegde, and Chowta. In Mumbai alone, there are over a million Bunts, many of whom are prominent in various industries.

The Shetty Community’s Influence in Mumbai

The Shetty community has a significant presence in Mumbai’s hospitality sector. Approximately 6,000 individuals with the Shetty surname operate restaurants and canteens across the city. Notable figures such as Bollywood stars Suniel Shetty and Shilpa Shetty also hail from this community. Shilpa Shetty, for instance, owns Bastian, a high-end hospitality brand that recently launched a Peruvian-Asian restaurant.

Gaikwad’s Unapologetic Stance

Despite facing legal action for his actions, Gaikwad remains unapologetic. He continues to criticize non-Marathi communities for running establishments like dance bars, which he claims are not operated by native Maharashtrians. His refusal to back down was evident when he walked out of an NDTV interview after being questioned about his behavior.

Public Reaction and Legal Implications

Gaikwad’s remarks have drawn widespread criticism and have led to a police case being filed against him. However, due to the non-cognisable nature of the charges, an arrest is unlikely. The incident has reignited discussions about xenophobia and cultural tensions in Maharashtra.