Mumbai: A case was filed against Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant at the Nagpada police station here for allegedly making a derogatory remark directed at Shiv Sena candidate Shaina NC.
Police said that a case under Section 79 and Section 356/2 of the BNS was filed against Sawant, who represents the South Mumbai constituency in the Lok Sabha.
"Imported is not accepted here, imported maal (goods) is not accepted here. Original maal is accepted here, our maal is original," Sawant said while speaking to the news agency ANI.
This incident adds another layer of tension between rival factions in the lead-up to the Maharashtra Assembly elections. Shaina NC is a notable candidate and daughter of the late Nana Chudasama, a distinguished businessman and former sheriff of Mumbai. She expressed her discontent regarding Sawant’s remarks in a statement.
"Why this itemisation and objectification of a woman? (Congress leader) Amin Patel next to him is smiling away. Why is he outraging the modesty of a woman? This reveals Arvind Sawant's and his party's mindset. Does he view every woman in Mumbadevi as 'maal'? He shows no respect for women, using such terms to describe a capable woman in politics," she told reporters.
Sawant’s remark has led to further strain between the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction and the Shiv Sena, with both sides already engaged in heated exchanges throughout the campaign. The Maharashtra Assembly elections have been marked by personal attacks and controversies, intensifying the political atmosphere as parties vie for control in a highly competitive race.
The police have registered the complaint and are investigating the incident to assess the legal standing of the comments attributed to Sawant.
Former BJP leader Shaina NC made a surprising appearance on the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena candidate list for the Maharashtra Assembly elections, nominated for Mumbai's Mumbadevi seat on a BJP ticket. However, shortly after her nomination, Shaina NC, 51, formally shifted allegiance to the Shiv Sena. The Maharashtra Assembly elections are scheduled for November 20, with vote counting set for November 23, adding further anticipation to her candidacy and the state’s electoral race.
National Commission for Women chief Vijaya Rahatkar also sought police and the Election Commission's action in the matter.
Rahatkar said on X that it is unacceptable for a responsible public representative to make such statements about women, especially during the sacred period of Diwali and Lakshmi Puja. She called on Mumbai Police and the Election Commission to take appropriate action.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said Sawant's remark insulted all "ladkya bahini" (beloved sisters) in the state. "(late Shiv Sena founder) Balasaheb Thackeray would have slapped anyone making such a remark," he added.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has condemned Sawant's words. "His remarks go against the values of respect and dignity," he told the media.
Deputy chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council Neelam Gorhe said she has filed a complaint against Sawant with the Election Commission of India for making an "insulting" remark about a woman.
"Words such as "maal" are used to demean women, said Gorhe, who belongs to the Shiv Sena. "Arvind Sawant's statement shows how low and contemptible is the attitude of Uddhav Thackeray's party and its leaders towards women in the state, especially while criticising our Mahayuti government's Ladki Bahin Yojana," she added, demanding that Sawant apologise to Shaina N C and all the women in the state.
Sheetal Mhatre, the spokesperson of the Shiv Sena, said women across the state would remember this "insult".
