Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC filed a police complaint against Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant on November 1, 2024, following his controversial remark labeling her as “imported maal” (“imported goods”). Sawant made the statement while speaking to the media, sparking outrage and condemnation from across political lines.
The incident occurred during a heated exchange regarding Shaina NC’s recent switch from the BJP to Shiv Sena ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections. Sawant, referring to her past affiliation with the BJP, questioned her loyalty and claimed that “imported material” doesn’t work in Shiv Sena.
Shiv Sena UBT leader Arvind Sawant and Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC. (PTI photos)
Shaina NC, who was at the receiving end of the sexist slur, responded sharply, calling out Sawant’s mentality and stating that such objectification of women is unacceptable. She accused him of disrespecting women and vowed to teach him a lesson in the upcoming elections.
#WATCH | Mumbai: On Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant’s “imported maal” remark, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC says, “You cannot respect a woman. You use such words for a capable woman who is in politics…Now you will be ‘behaal’ because you called the woman ‘maal’. Whether I… pic.twitter.com/VpZSLIPc3U— ANI (@ANI) November 1, 2024
She further stated, “I have the FIR copy. This is Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), they don’t respect women. Sawant calls me imported maal/item. The law will take its course, you have outraged the modesty of a woman. I am a daughter of Mumbai–I am no one’s maal. Why is MVA silent on this?”
Shaina NC, who was recently fielded by Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde’s party from Mumbai’s Mumbadevi Assembly constituency, joined Shiv Sena hours before the announcement of the assembly elections. Her candidacy generated significant buzz, particularly considering her previous association with the BJP.
Following the backlash, Sawant defended his remark, claiming it was taken out of context and that he holds women in high regard. He accused Shaina NC of trying to create a narrative and questioned her residency in the constituency.
However, his explanation failed to quell the storm, with Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde condemning Sawant’s words, stating, “If anyone is ‘imported maal,’ it’s Arvind Sawant, elected as South Mumbai’s MP in 2014 while living in Powai.”
Other political leaders, including Ajit Pawar, NCP leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, also condemned Sawant’s remark, emphasizing the importance of respect and dignity towards women.
Shaina NC’s complaint against Sawant highlights the growing concern regarding sexism and derogatory language directed towards women in politics. It underscores the need for respectful discourse and accountability in political conversations.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.