 |
|
The ongoing political feud between factions of the Shiv Sena escalated when Shaina NC, a leader of the party, filed a police complaint against Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant for making a derogatory remark. The controversy arose from Sawant's comment, referring to Shaina NC as 'imported maal,' which he made during a campaign event alongside Congress MLA Amin Patel. Shaina NC vehemently condemned the statement, stating that it reflected disrespect towards women and demanded an apology. She filed the complaint at Mumbai's Nagpada Police Station, accusing Sawant of outraging her modesty and defamation, and asserted that the law would take its course.
Shaina NC's complaint triggered a wave of outrage, with several political leaders expressing their condemnation of Sawant's remarks. She also raised questions about the silence of other prominent politicians, including Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray, Sanjay Raut, and Nana Patole, questioning their inaction in the face of such derogatory language directed at a woman. The incident sparked a broader debate about the prevalence of misogynistic attitudes within political discourse, prompting discussions about the need for accountability and a more respectful environment for women in politics.
In response to the allegations, Sawant defended his statement, asserting that he had never insulted any woman and that the remark was not directed at Shaina NC specifically. He claimed that his words were spoken in Hindi and were not intended to be objectionable. He further attempted to shift the focus away from his comment by highlighting other instances of alleged violence against women, questioning the silence of his opponents on those issues. This attempt to deflect criticism and engage in whataboutism, however, further fuelled the controversy and raised questions about his sincerity and genuine concern for women's safety and rights.