The recent comments made by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant have sparked considerable controversy, drawing both criticism and defence from various quarters within the political landscape of Maharashtra.
Sawant’s remarks about fellow Shiv Sena member Shaina NC, in which he referred to her as “imported maal,” have been labelled derogatory and disrespectful. However, Anil Desai, another leader from the Shiv Sena (UBT), has come forward to defend Sawant, insisting that there was no intention to insult women.
The incident occurred when Arvind Sawant, a Member of Parliament associated with the faction of Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray, made the controversial statement while discussing Shaina NC's political transitions.
He expressed his views in a manner that suggested a dismissive attitude toward her shift from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to another political party. He stated, “Look at her condition.
She was in the BJP all her life and now she went to another party. Imported ‘maal’ doesn’t work here; only original ‘maal’ does.” This remark quickly drew ire, particularly from Shaina NC herself, who took strong exception to the comment.
In response to the backlash, Anil Desai defended Sawant, stating that his colleague had no intention of offending anyone. Desai emphasised that Sawant had clarified his remarks and expressed regret for any hurt caused.
In his defence, Desai mentioned that Sawant immediately recognized the implications of his words and apologised for them. He stated, “He had no intention of insulting women. He immediately made it clear that he had no such intentions and he apologised for these things and he clarified everything.”
Sawant himself addressed the controversy during a press conference in Mumbai, where he stated that he felt he was being “deliberately targeted” by those who misinterpreted his comments.
He reiterated his commitment to respecting women and expressed concern over the perception that he had insulted anyone. “Some allegations have been made against me for the past few days. A complaint has been lodged against me in this regard. We will never insult women. An atmosphere is being created that I have insulted a woman; I have never done this in my life. One of my statements was interpreted differently. I apologise if my statement hurt anyone’s feelings,” he explained.
Despite the defence from Desai and Sawant, Shaina NC did not hold back in her condemnation of the comments made by Sawant. She firmly stated that objectification of women and the outrage of their modesty is a serious issue that should not be taken lightly.
In her remarks, she highlighted the need for respect and dignity for women in political discourse. Shaina NC indicated that legal action was being pursued against Sawant, as an FIR had been registered at Nagpada police station under relevant sections addressing the outraging of modesty of women.
She noted, “The Election Commission and Women Commission have also taken cognizance. This is a fight for the respect of women… Objectification of women, and outraging the modesty of women is not a small problem. The truth will be in front of everyone in the video but this mindset and perverted mentality is visible.”
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