Fri Nov 01 20:21:19 UTC 2024: ## Shiv Sena (UBT) Leader Sparks Outrage with Sexist Remark Against BJP Defector Shaina NC

**Mumbai, India -** Arvind Sawant, a prominent leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), has ignited controversy after referring to former BJP spokesperson Shaina NC as “imported maal” (imported goods) during a media interaction. His comments came in response to questions about Shaina’s candidacy for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections, as she transitions from the BJP to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction.

Sawant’s remarks, which implied that Shaina does not belong to the Shiv Sena’s ranks, have been widely condemned as misogynistic.

Shaina NC, who announced her departure from the BJP earlier this week, is set to contest from the Mumbadevi assembly constituency in Mumbai. She strongly refuted Sawant’s comments, stating that they reflect an outdated mindset within his party and are disrespectful to women.

“This reflects the mindset of Arvind Sawant and his party. Does he think every woman of Mumbadevi is mere ‘maal’?” she retorted, referring to the derogatory term used by Sawant. “On one hand, we have Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde’s Ladki Behan Yojana and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives like Ujjwala and the Mudra Banking and Housing Scheme aimed at empowering women. On the other hand, we have Mahavinash Aghadi’s Arvind Sawant calling me ‘imported maal’.”

Shaina NC has filed a formal complaint against Sawant at the Nagpada police station, demanding an apology and asserting that his comments will not be tolerated. “You (Sawant) will have to apologize at the Nagpada Police Station,” she stated. “People will certainly teach the Shiv Sena (UBT) party a lesson in the November 20 elections.”

She also took to social media to reiterate her stance, posting, “Mahila hoon, maal nahi (I’m a woman, not goods/material).”

Shaina NC will be facing off against Congress candidate Amin Patel in the upcoming elections. This incident highlights the growing tensions within the Shiv Sena, particularly between the UBT faction and the Shinde-led faction, as the upcoming elections approach.

Read More