‘Shaina NC is my friend’: UBT MP Arvind Sawant defends ‘imported maal’ remark, says he’s victim of defamation | India News
NEW DELHI: After facing backlash for allegedly referring to Shiv Sena candidate Shaina NC as “imported maal” in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly polls, UBT faction MP Arvind Sawant claimed on Friday that he did not mention Shaina’s name and said that he is the true victim of defamation.
Sawant clarified that his remark was aimed at outsiders not being suitable for the local context, emphasising that Shaina is a friend he respects.
“I never mentioned her name. I only said that someone who is an outsider will not be able to work here. It’s their habit to create uproar,” he told ANI.
Sawant also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of being an expert in falsehoods and referencing the alleged Rs 75,000 crore irrigation scam involving NCP leader Ajit Pawar, who became Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister
“The PM is an expert in lying,” Sawant said, accusing the ruling party of trying to set a false narrative and deflect attention from their weak foundation.
Defending his long political career and respect for women, Sawant said his opponents are trying to malign his reputation. “They file defamation cases, yet it is they who are defaming me. I have always respected women,” he said.
“Shaina NC is my friend, she has worked for me, and I respect her… They are ‘satta jihadi’ people, as our leader Uddhav Thackeray says,” he added.
A case was registered against Sawant at Nagpada Police Station after Shaina NC’s complaint over his “imported maal” remark. The case falls under sections 79 and 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The controversy began when Sawant allegedly referred to Shaina as “imported maal,” implying that newcomers from other parties would not be effective. In response, Shaina criticised Sawant and questioned his respect for women. She warned, “Now you will be ‘behaal’ because you called a woman ‘maal’.”
Shaina condemned the “objectification of women” and noted Congress MLA Amin Patel’s reaction to the comment. She contrasted this incident with women-empowerment initiatives by Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde and the central government.
“You will have to apologise at Nagpada police station. The ‘Mahavinash Aghadi’ will be ‘behaal’ November 20,” she added.
The Maharashtra Assembly election is scheduled for November 20, with vote counting set for November 23.
