Sanjay Raut, a leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), defended fellow party member Arvind Sawant on Saturday regarding his controversial “imported maal” remark. Raut asserted that “there has been no insult” and emphasized that the situation should not be blown out of proportion.
Speaking to reporters, Raut explained, “There has been no insult. Arvind Sawant is a senior MP who simply noted that the BJP candidate from Mumbadevi, Shaina NC, is an ‘imported maal’ because she comes from outside. If she is considered ‘imported maal,’ how is that an insult to women? If someone is from outside, then they are from outside. Have you ever looked at how people have spoken about Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi? We should revisit history. When an outsider contests elections, it’s common for people to point that out. There’s no need to create such a big issue.”
The controversy ignited when Sawant, representing the Shiv Sena faction led by Uddhav Thackeray, allegedly referred to Shaina NC as “imported maal.” He stated, “Look at her condition. She has been in the BJP her entire life, and now she has joined another party. Imported ‘maal’ doesn’t work here; only original ‘maal’ does.”
In response to the remark, Shaina NC filed a complaint against Sawant at the Nagpada Police Station. An FIR has since been registered under Sections 79 and 356(2) for outraging the modesty of women, with both the Election Commission and the Women’s Commission taking notice of the situation.
Shaina NC condemned Sawant’s statement, highlighting that the objectification of women and the outraging of their modesty is a serious issue. She stated, “This is a fight for the respect of women. The objectification of women and the violation of their modesty are not trivial matters. The truth will be revealed in the video, but this mindset and perverted mentality are evident.”
Following backlash for his comment, Sawant claimed he did not mention Shaina NC by name. “I never mentioned her name. I only said that someone who is an outsider will not be able to work here. It’s their habit to create a ruckus,” he said.
Sawant insisted that he has always respected women and accused his critics of attempting to damage his reputation. “They file defamation cases, yet it is they who are defaming me. I condemn their intent. I have been in politics for 55 years, and I have always respected women. Those who support her should answer the questions I have raised. Shaina NC is my friend, and I respect her. They are ‘satta jihadi’ people, as our leader Uddhav Thackeray says,” he added.
The Maharashtra Assembly election is scheduled for November 20, with vote counting for all 288 constituencies taking place on November 23.