Maharashtra Opposition Wears ‘Lungi-Baniyan’ in Protest at Shiv Sena MLA Assault

Opposition legislators in Maharashtra’s Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition staged an unusual “lungi-baniyan” protest on the steps of the state legislature in Mumbai on Wednesday. Wearing vests and towels tied as lungis, senior leaders including Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Ambadas Danve and NCP (Sharad Pawar) MLA Jitendra Awhad shouted slogans condemning what they called the ruling coalition’s tolerance of violence by its lawmakers. The demonstration targeted Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, who was filmed last week slapping an employee in the Akashvani MLA hostel canteen after complaining of stale food. The clip went viral, sparking sharp criticism. Opposition parties are demanding formal action against Gaikwad and have accused the Eknath Shinde-led government of shielding him. Gaikwad has defended his actions, saying he hit the manager rather than a staffer and that the assault was justified.