After facing significant criticism for his alleged derogatory comment about Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC, Arvind Sawant of Shiv Sena (UBT) issued an apology on Saturday, insisting that he never intended to disrespect women throughout his five-decade-long political career.
Sawant triggered controversy on Friday when he reportedly referred to Shaina NC, a former BJP leader who recently joined Shiv Sena ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections, as “imported maal.”
“In the last 24 hours, it has been alleged that I insulted a woman.” I have never done anything of the sort in my life.” I feel my words have been misinterpreted, and I have been unfairly targeted. While I regret if my statement has hurt anyone, respect for women should not be based on party affiliations,” Sawant said in his clarification.
**Sawant’s Controversial Remarks**
In a media interaction, Sawant made the comment, “She spent her whole life in the BJP, and now look at her… Humare yahan imported maal nahi chalta (Imported material doesn’t work here). Only original ‘maal’ works here. We have the original material.”
Shaina NC, the subject of Sawant’s comment, responded by asserting that voters would hold the opposing party accountable in the upcoming elections.”This reflects Arvind Sawant’s mentality.”Does he believe that every woman from Mumbadevi is ‘maal’? On one side, we have Eknath Shinde’s Ladki Behan Yojana, and on the other, the Prime Minister’s Ujjwala and Mudra Banking schemes, which empower women,” she stated.
**Chief Minister Shinde’s Response**
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde condemned Sawant’s remark, emphasizing that had Balasaheb Thackeray been alive, he would have strongly reprimanded Sawant for such comments. Shinde described the “imported maal” statement as “unfortunate” and stressed that women would respond to such disrespect during the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections.
“It’s deeply unfortunate. Speaking ill of a woman is unacceptable, and no amount of criticism can make up for it. Despite claiming to uphold Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology, their actions reveal their true character.Shinde remarked, “Had Balasaheb been alive, he would have condemned this strongly.” “Their actions expose their true nature. The MVA has previously defamed our women and sisters in Guwahati, and in the upcoming elections, women will teach them a lesson,” he added.
**Legal Action Against Sawant**
A formal complaint has been lodged against Sawant for his comment, with legal consequences expected.”An FIR has been registered at the Nagpada police station under Sections 79 and 356(2) for offending the modesty of women.” Both the Election Commission and the Women’s Commission are now involved. This is about defending women’s dignity,” Shaina remarked.
Earlier, Sawant clarified that he did not specifically mention Shaina’s name and accused the Mahayuti alliance, which includes Shiv Sena, BJP, and NCP, of creating a stir to tarnish his reputation ahead of the Maharashtra elections.
