Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday strongly condemned Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant’s remark, which allegedly referred to Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC as “imported maal.” Shinde described the comment as “unfortunate” and “highly condemnable”.
Shinde said that such language reflects poorly on the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction and stands in sharp contrast to the principles of late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray. “If Bala Saheb Thackeray were alive today, he would have really broken his face. This is his nature. All the women of Maharashtra will teach a lesson to those who insult them, especially in the upcoming elections,” Shinde said.
#WATCH | Thane: On Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant’s remark over Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde says, “This is a very unfortunate thing. It is very condemnable to say such things about a sister… This is their nature. In Guwahati also, they had… pic.twitter.com/MhO7qn7HXE
— ANI (@ANI) November 2, 2024
What Eknath Shinde said
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde criticized Uddhav Thackeray for aligning with Congress to secure the CM position, stating that it went against the principles of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, who had long advocated keeping Congress at bay. Shinde explained that despite his attempts to reason with Uddhav, the former Shiv Sena leader chose personal interests over party ideals, leading to a split in the party. “Our party and workers were suffering losses under the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government,” he said. To preserve Shiv Sena’s core values, Shinde claimed, they eventually toppled the MVA government, forming a coalition with BJP that aligned more closely with Balasaheb’s vision.
Shinde said that the current BJP-Shiv Sena government shares an ideology with both the central and state administrations, a relationship that has fostered growth in Maharashtra. “The work we’ve accomplished in just two years has earned praise from Prime Minister Modi himself,” he noted, highlighting achievements in GDP growth, FDI, GST collections, and cleanliness. He proudly cited over Rs 5 lakh crore in investments attracted during his term, pointing to Maharashtra’s economic leadership in the country.
Addressing opposition allegations, Shinde dismissed claims that his administration was a “puppet” government. “The opposition underestimated us, not realizing we would run major schemes and gain industry trust. Unlike the previous administration, which he claimed focused on self-interest and property-building, Shinde’s government prioritizes public welfare.
On recent controversies, Shinde condemned Arvind Sawant’s derogatory remark on Shaina NC, underscoring his government’s commitment to respect for women. He also commented on issues involving leaders like Nawab Malik, Baba Siddiqui’s murder, and Raj Thackeray, asserting that his administration remains focused on upholding justice and governance standards in Maharashtra.
What Arvind Sawant said
The controversy began when Sawant, an MP from Shiv Sena faction led by Uddhav Thackeray, allegedly used the term “imported maal” while commenting on Shaina NC’s transition to a different political affiliation. His statement has led to widespread criticism, with leaders from both BJP and Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction denouncing the language used.
Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC has since filed a complaint against Sawant at Nagpada Police Station, accusing him of using derogatory language that insulted her dignity. She said, “The law will take its course. I have done what any self-respecting woman should do,” saying that the issue is about respect and not just political rivalry.
Meanwhile, Sawant defended his remarks, asserting that he had not named Shaina NC directly and that his comment was directed generally at outsiders rather than any specific person. “I respect Shaina, she has worked with me, and I respect her contributions,” he said, accusing his opponents of using this issue to tarnish his reputation. Sawant said, “They file defamation cases, yet it is they who are defaming me. I have been in politics for 55 years, and have always respected women.”
