Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde strongly condemned Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant for his alleged derogatory comments about Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC, asserting that if Balasaheb Thackeray were alive, he would have taken a firm stand against such behavior.
The incident ignited a political storm, with Shinde openly criticizing Sawant’s reference to Shaina NC as “imported maal,” a term he called “highly unfortunate” and a betrayal of the principles upheld by Balasaheb Thackeray. Shinde remarked, “Speaking ill of a woman is highly condemnable, and no amount of criticism is enough. If Balasaheb had been here, he would have smashed his face. Their actions expose their character.”
Shinde highlighted that such language reflects poorly on the individuals claiming to uphold Thackeray’s values, adding, “MVA earlier defamed our women and sisters in Guwahati. In the upcoming elections, women will surely teach a lesson to those who disrespect them,” he said, as quoted by ANI.
Earlier, Shinde had appealed to the women of Maharashtra to “show [Sawant] his place” in the upcoming assembly elections. “All the sisters of Maharashtra will show him his place and send him back home,” he said, calling upon the electorate to condemn such offensive language.
The controversy erupted after Sawant, in an apparent jab at Shaina NC, said, “Imported ‘maal’ doesn’t work here; only original ‘maal’ does,” implying that her political background disqualified her from local credibility. Shaina NC responded with legal action, filing a complaint at Nagpada Police Station against Sawant for defamation and “outraging the modesty of a woman.”
Shaina NC further criticized the opposition alliance, calling them the “MahaVinashAghadi” and accused them of having “no respect for women.” Emphasizing her stance, she stated, “Ma Mumba Devi’s blessing is with me. I am a woman but not ‘maal’. If you are to make derogatory remarks against any woman, then this is the FIR and the law will take its course.”
Sawant, however, denied directly referencing Shaina NC, stating, “I never mentioned her name. I only said that someone who is an outsider will not be able to work here. It’s their habit to create uproar.”
As the Maharashtra assembly election approaches, this incident has stirred the political climate, with leaders from all sides weighing in on issues of respect and decorum. Voting is scheduled for November 20, with results expected on November 23.