Arvind Sawant Apologises For Sexist Remark Against Shiv Sena Leader Shaina NC.

Arvind Sawant, a member of Parliament from the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction led by Uddhav Thackeray apologised on Saturday, for his controversial “imported maal” comment against Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC.

Sawant claimed he never intended to hurt anyone’s sentiments and expressed regret if his statement did so. Sawant’s apology comes amidst mounting pressure from opposition leaders and women’s rights organisations, according to PTI.

While addressing the media, he said:  “For the last one day, an atmosphere is being created that I have insulted a woman, I have never done this in my life. I am being deliberately targeted by giving a different meaning, I am sad about this but still, if my statement has hurt anyone’s feelings then I express regret. The respect of women in the country cannot be seen according to the party.”

Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC strongly condemned Sawant’s remark, stating that objectifying women and outraging their modesty is a serious issue.

Also, An FIR was registered under Sections 79 and 356(2) for outraging the modesty of women and the Election Commission and Women Commission have taken cognizance against Sawant.

The controversy began when Sawant referred to Shaina NC as “imported maal,” implying she switched parties from BJP to Shiv Sena.

This comment later created a widespread backlash from opposition leaders that led to Shaina NC filing a complaint against Sawant at the Nagpada Police Station.

Also, read| Shaina NC, BJP Leader, Shiv Sena-Shinde Candidate From Mumbadevi

Shaina NC is a prominent Indian fashion designer, daughter of the former Sheriff of Mumbai Nana Chudasama and politician who joined Shiv Sena for the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024.

She holds a degree in political science from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai and a diploma in fashion design from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. Shaina NC also holds a Guinness World Record for draping a saree in 54 different ways.

Arvind Sawant represents the Shiv Sena faction led by Uddhav Thackeray which split from the original Shiv Sena party in 2022. The Election Commission recognised Eknath Shinde’s faction as the official Shiv Sena party in February 2023.

Also, read| PM Modi’s Ayushman Bharat Insurance Scheme Faces Criticism From AAP, Calls For Nationwide Adoption