Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant on November 2 apologized for his alleged 'imported meal' comment against Shiv Sena's Mumbadevi candidate Shaina NC. While he mentioned that he was “intentionally targeted,” he said the intention was never to target a woman.
He accused his opponents of trying to tarnish his reputation and claimed his statements were “being interpreted differently.” The apology comes a day after the Shiv Sena leader made derogatory statements against the woman candidate. He said: “There have been some allegations made against me in recent days. A complaint has been filed against me about this. We will never insult women,” ANI reported.
On November 1, a controversy broke out after Arvind Sawant alleged that Shaina NC had been a BJP member all her life and until recently decided to make a change. Arvind Sawant's comment that sparked controversy reads: “Imported 'maal' doesn't work here; only original 'maal' does that.” Justifying his stand, Arvind Sawant alleged that an atmosphere is being created where he has insulted a woman. In the apology, he said he would like to apologize if his “statement hurts anyone's feelings.”
He added: “I am being deliberately attacked by giving it a different meaning. I am saddened by this, but still, if my statement has hurt anyone's feelings, I apologize. The respect of women in the country cannot be seen as per the party. ” ANI quoted Arvind Sawant.
Meanwhile, Shaina NC condemned Arvind Sawant's comment on “imported meal” and emphasized that objectification of women and outrage over women's modesty is not a small issue. Shaina NC informed that she had lodged an FIR at Nagpada police station on Friday evening. Charges have been filed against the Shiv Sena (UBT) under sections 79 and 356(2), which offend the modesty of women. Additional. The Election Commission and the Women's Commission have taken note of the matter.
After facing backlash over his comments, Arvind Sawant defended himself and claimed that he had not mentioned Shaina NC's name. As the countdown begins for the Maharashtra Assembly elections, scheduled for November 20, the political environment in the state is heating up. The counting of votes for all 288 constituencies will take place on November 23.