Maharashtra Assembly Elections: Shaina NC Shows Throwback Photos with Rashmi Thackeray After "Imported Maal" Comment

Shaina NC, a candidate from the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) contesting in the Mumbadevi constituency, recently shared photographs of herself with Rashmi Thackeray and other party members from past events during her time with the undivided Shiv Sena. Her post came in response to comments made by MP Arvind Sawant of the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction, who referred to her as "Imported Maal" during a campaign for Congress candidate Amin Patel.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut defended Sawant’s remarks and said, "There has been no insult. Arvind Sawant is our senior MP. If she is ‘imported maal,’ how is this an insult to women? There is no need to create such a big issue."

In her reaction, Shaina NC questioned the silence of opposition leaders who typically advocate for women's rights. "When I campaigned for Arvind Sawant in 2014, I was their Ladli Bahin, but today I am considered maal by them. Why are Supriya Sule, Priyanka Chaturvedi, and Priyanka Gandhi, who always stand up for women’s issues, silent now?" she asked.

She further challenged the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance to address the comments and demanded apologies from both Sawant and Raut.

Meanwhile, Arvind Sawant expressed regret over his statement, saying, “For the last day, there has been an atmosphere that I have insulted a woman. I have never done this in my life. I am being deliberately targeted by misinterpreting my words. I am saddened by this, but if my statement has hurt anyone's feelings, I express my regret. Respect for women in the country should not be seen according to party lines.”

Following the controversy, a case has been registered against Arvind Sawant at the Nagpada police station, and an investigation is currently underway.