In a recent incident highlighting the ongoing issue of derogatory remarks against women in politics, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant referred to former BJP leader Shaina NC as “imported maal.” This remark came as Shaina prepares to contest the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections as the Mumbadevi candidate for the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, an ally of the BJP.
During an interaction with ANI, Sawant remarked, “Look at her condition. She was in the BJP all her life and now has gone to another party. ‘Imported maal’ does not work here; only ‘original maal’ works here.” He later attempted to clarify his statement, claiming that he was emphasizing the distinction between local candidate Amin Patel, the sitting Congress MLA from Mumbadevi, and Shaina, whom he labeled as an outsider.
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Amin Patel has successfully held the Mumbadevi seat since 2014 and is running as the candidate for the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, which includes the Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (SP).
In response to Sawant’s remarks, Shaina NC criticized him for his disrespectful attitude, stating that his comments reflect a problematic mindset. She asserted that the people of Mumbadevi would “teach him and his party a lesson.” She further challenged Sawant, saying, “Does he think every woman of Mumbadevi is ‘maal’? You don’t respect a woman. You use such words for a capable woman who is in politics. Now you will be ‘behaal’ (ruined). You (Sawant) will have to apologize at Nagpada police station.”
The Maharashtra assembly elections are set to take place on November 20, with results for all 288 seats to be counted on November 23. As the political landscape heats up, this incident raises questions about the treatment of female leaders in Indian politics and the need for a more respectful discourse.
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