‘Never In 55 Years…’: Uddhav Sena’s Arvind Sawant Apologises For ‘Imported’ Remark On Shaina NC

Last Updated:November 02, 2024, 2:04 PM IST

After facing backlash over his “imported maal” remark against Shinde Sena’s Shaina NC, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant tendered apology.

Shiv Sena UBT leader Arvind Sawant and Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC (PTI Image)

After facing backlash over his alleged derogatory remark against Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant on Saturday tendered his apology, saying that he never intended to insult women in his five decades of political service.

Sawant on Friday sparked controversy after allegedly referring to Shaina NC, former BJP leader who switched to Shiv Sena ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections, as “imported maal.”

“For the last one day, an atmosphere is being created that I have insulted a woman. I have never done this in my life. I am being deliberately targeted by giving a different meaning, I am sad about this but still, if my statement has hurt anyone’s feelings then I express regret. The respect of women in the country cannot be seen according to the party,” Sawant said.

Sawant’s Remark Sparks Row

Addressing the media, Sawant said, “She stayed all her life in the BJP and now look at her… Humare yahan imported maal nahi chalta (Imported material does not work here). Only original ‘maal‘ works here. We have the original material.”

Shaina NC, the Shiv Sena leader who was at the receiving end of the ‘sexist’ slur, said that people will teach the rival party a lesson in the polls.

“This reflects the mindset of Arvind Sawant and his party. Does he think every woman of Mumbadevi is a maal? On one side there is Eknath Shinde’s Ladki Behan Yojana, on the other side there is Prime Minister’s Ujjwala, Mudra Banking, Housing Scheme, where women are empowered,” she said.

CM Shinde’s Strong Response

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday condemned Sawant’s sexist remark against Shaina NC, saying if Balasaheb Thackeray were alive, he would have broken his mouth.

Shinde termed Sawant’s ‘imported maal’ remark against Shaina NC as ‘unfortunate’ and said that women will teach a lesson to those who disrespect them in the forthcoming Maharashtra Assembly election.

“It’s very unfortunate. Speaking ill of a woman is highly condemnable, and no amount of criticism is enough. Claiming to follow Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology, their actions reveal their true nature. If Balasaheb were alive, he would have been strongly condemned and would have broken his mouth,” Shinde was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

“Their character is exposed by their actions, MVA earlier defamed our women, and sisters in Guwahati. In the upcoming elections, women will surely teach a lesson to those who disrespect them,” he added.

Case Filed Against Sawant

The Shiv Sena leader filed a formal complaint against the UBT leader over the remark and noted that the law will take its course and the police will take action against him.

“FIR has been registered in Nagpada police station under Sections 79 and 356(2) outraging the modesty of women. The Election Commission and Women Commission have also taken cognizance. This is a fight for the respect of women,” she said.

Earlier, Sawant clarified his statement, saying that he never mentioned Shaina’s name and accused the Mahayuti alliance, comprising Shiv Sena, BJP and NCP, of creating an uproar to tarnish his image ahead of the Maharashtra elections.