Shiv Sena UBT's Position on Women's Respect Under Scrutiny as Shaina NC Questions Arvind Sawant's Remarks

Shiv Sena candidate Shaina NC from Mumbai's Mumbadevi assembly constituency has raised concerns about the Shiv Sena UBT's stance on women's respect. This follows alleged derogatory remarks made by MP Arvind Sawant against her. "Under pressure, Arvind Sawant apologised after 30 hours, while his party colleague Sanjay Raut justifies me being dismissed as an ‘imported maal’," Shaina stated at a press conference.

Shaina, who previously belonged to the BJP, criticised Congress candidate Amin Patel for laughing at Sawant's comments. She questioned whether Patel would react similarly if such remarks were directed at a woman from his own community. Shaina urged the Sena UBT to clarify its position on respecting women. Sawant apologised for his remarks a day after a case was filed against him.

Political Reactions and Allegations

Shaina recalled campaigning for Sawant in 2014 when he contested the Mumbai South Lok Sabha seat. She expressed disappointment over being labelled an 'imported maal' despite her long-standing ties to south Mumbai and Mumbadevi. "If an apology has to be given, it should be to goddess Mumbadevi. I am her daughter...I will fight and win," she asserted.

She also criticised the silence of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) leaders like Supriya Sule of NCP SP and Priyanka Chaturvedi of Sena UBT. Shaina emphasised that women's issues transcend party politics, highlighting her consistent support for women across political lines. The NCP SP and Congress are part of the opposition bloc MVA led by Uddhav Thackeray.

Defence and Counterarguments

Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut defended Sawant, stating he merely referred to Shaina as an "outside maal" from outside Mumbai. "If she is an ‘imported maal’, then where is the question of insulting women? What did you say about Sonia Gandhi ji, Priyanka Gandhi ji… if you see the statements of the BJP in the last 10-15 years," Raut remarked, suggesting no issue should be made out of it.

Shaina questioned the official stance of Sena UBT and MVA on women's respect, pointing out that 'maal' implies objectification. She highlighted Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's efforts in empowering women through initiatives like the 'Ladki Bahin' scheme, benefiting 40,000 people in Mumbadevi, including 15,000 Muslims.

Broader Political Context

Shaina urged discussions on election issues like Kamathipura redevelopment and chawl redevelopment in Mumbadevi. She questioned whether Aaditya Thackeray, residing in Bandra and contesting from Worli, is considered an outsider. Meanwhile, NCP SP chief Sharad Pawar commented that no personal attack was intended but advised caution in speech.

Outside Maharashtra, MP Misa Bharti of RJD expressed disapproval of Sawant's alleged remarks against Shaina. "Political differences aside, no offensive remarks should be made about a woman, even if she happens to be a rival," said Bharti, daughter of RJD leader Lalu Prasad.

The assembly elections for the 288-member House are scheduled for November 20 with vote counting on November 23.