‘Balasaheb Would Have…’: Shinde Slams Arvind Sawant Over ‘Imported’ Remark On Shaina NC

Last Updated:November 02, 2024, 13:38 IST

CM Eknath Shinde termed Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant’s ‘imported maal’ remark against Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC as ‘unfortunate’.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday condemned Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant’s derogatory remark on Shiv Sena leader 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.

Arvind Sawant Sparks Row 

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

“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,” Sawant remarked while speaking to the media.

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.

Thackeray Sena Leader Apologises

After facing backlash over his “imported maal” remark, Arvind Sawant on Saturday apologised claiming that he did not mention Shaina’s name and accused the Mahayuti alliance of creating uproar to tarnish his image.

“Never in my 55 years of political career have I insulted a woman. My statement was distorted. But I want to extend an apology if anyone was hurt by my statement,” said Sawant.

He further accused the Mahayuti alliance of hatching the controversy for ‘political benefits’ and said that he had no intention to hurt anyone.

Shaina NC Files Case

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.

She said that Sawant’s derogatory remark exposed his ‘mindset and perverted mentality,’ adding that objectification of women and outraging the mode of women is not a small problem.

Location :

Maharashtra, India