Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut has defended party MP Arvind Sawant, who is under fire for his controversial remarks against Shaina NC, a candidate from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction. Sawant's comments, referring to Shaina as "imported maal," have led to widespread criticism and a legal case against him.

In a statement to news agency ANI, Sanjay Raut argued that Sawant's remarks were not an insult to women. He clarified that Sawant, a senior MP of Shiv Sena (UBT), was merely emphasizing that Shaina, originally associated with the BJP, had recently joined the Shinde faction and was contesting from the Mumbadevi constituency as an "outsider." Raut stated, "There has been no insult. Arvind Sawant simply said that the BJP candidate from Mumbadevi (Shaina NC) has come from outside and is ‘imported maal’... If a person from outside contests elections, people say they have come from outside. There is no need to create such a big issue" remarks, caught on a viral video, have led to an FIR being filed against him under sections related to defamation and insult to the modesty of a woman, with the case registered at Nagpada Police Station. Shaina NC, reportedly offended by the remarks, lodged a complaint on November 1. The comments have sparked outrage among political leaders, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who condemned the language used by Sawant. CM Shinde said, "This is very unfortunate. It is highly condemnable to say such things about a sister... All the sisters will teach them a lesson in the coming elections" .

Shaina NC reshe remarks, countering Sawant's description by stating, "I am a woman, not ‘maal’" and expressed her discontent with such language used during a critical electoral period. Following her complaint, the Shiv Sena women’s wing organized a substantial protest outside the police station, demanding action against Sawant.

The remark has since become a focal point in Maharashtra's political discourse, highlighting ongoing tensions between the factions of Shiv Sena. As election campaigns intensify, the incident underscores how gender-related rhetoric can quickly escalate into broader political conflicts in the region.