In a new turn of Maharashtra's political drama, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut defended fellow party leader Arvind Sawant?s controversial remarks about Shaina NC, a candidate from Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction running for the Mumbadevi constituency. Raut dismissed the uproar surrounding Sawant?s comments, claiming there was no intent to insult women. "Arvind Sawant is our senior MP," Raut said, speaking to ANI. "He simply referred to BJP candidate Shaina NC as ?imported maal,? meaning she comes from outside. This isn?t an insult. 'Bahar ka maal hai toh bahar ka maal hai' [If it?s from outside, it?s from outside]."

In the viral video clip, Sawant is heard saying, ?Imported goods won?t work, original goods will,? sparking a backlash for his use of the phrase ?imported maal,? which many perceived as derogatory. This has led to a formal complaint by Shaina NC at Mumbai?s Nagpada Police Station, resulting in an FIR against Sawant under Section 79 (insult to the modesty of a woman) and Section 356(2) (defamation) of the Bombay Police Act.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde strongly condemned Sawant?s remarks. ?This is highly unfortunate and condemnable,? Shinde told ANI. "They have insulted our sisters in Guwahati, and now they are repeating it here. But this time, the women of Maharashtra will give them a fitting response in the elections."

Shinde?s comments reflect a wider outcry from political circles and women?s rights advocates over the language used by Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders. Yet, Raut stood his ground, arguing that the BJP had made similar comments about Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi in the past, suggesting that "such statements have always been a part of political criticism."

This controversy has sparked fierce debates on the decorum expected in political rhetoric, especially regarding gender sensitivity. The Maharashtra elections are now set against a backdrop of intensifying tensions, with political leaders from both sides trading barbs.