Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Jul 12: The Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of Maharashtra (FHRAM) has issued a strong statement condemning the recent behaviour and comments made by Buldhana MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, terming them “disrespectful, inflammatory, and unbecoming of a public representative.”
In a sharply worded communication addressed to state authorities, the federation expressed deep anguish over the MLA’s remarks targeting the Bunt community, which it described as divisive and detrimental to the state's social fabric.
“Sanjay Gaikwad, as an elected leader, holds a constitutional duty to uphold dignity and serve all sections of society impartially,” the letter stated. “His recent actions, however, reflect an alarming disregard for public decorum and border on lawlessness.”
Highlighting the rich cultural and professional legacy of the Bunt community, the Federation reminded the MLA and the public of the community’s divine association with hospitality traced back to the Mahabharata era, when the King of Udupi was entrusted by Lord Krishna to serve the Pandavas and Kauravas- a tradition of service that the Bunts continue to uphold, especially in Maharashtra's thriving hotel and restaurant industry.
Beyond hospitality, the Bunt community has made exceptional contributions across fields such as medicine, education, cinema, politics, industry, and nation-building- making them one of the most dynamic and respected communities in the country.
In an era where the nation is striving towards Hindu unity and cultural integration, the Federation warned that such statements by public figures based on caste, community, or region only serve to divide and disrupt.
The federation, representing thousands of stakeholders in Maharashtra’s hospitality sector, has called upon the state government to take immediate cognizance of Gaikwad’s statements and initiate appropriate action to preserve communal harmony and uphold the dignity of all communities.
“We trust that your office will act decisively to ensure Maharashtra remains a beacon of unity in diversity.”