Explorer

Maharashtra: Arvind Sawant Apologises For 'Sexist' Remarks Against Shaina NC, Says 'My Words Were...'

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant apologised to Shaina NC for his sexist jibe and said his statement was misinterpreted.

Maharashtra Assembly Election: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant on Saturday apologised for his alleged sexist remarks against the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena's Assembly poll candidate Shaina NC and said he had no intention to defame anyone with his words. 

Sawant, the MP from Mumbai South claimed his statement was tweaked for political gains. "For the last one day, an atmosphere is being created that I have insulted a woman, I have never done this in my life. I am being deliberately targeted by giving a different meaning to my words, I am sad about this but still, if my statement has hurt anyone's feelings then I express regret. The respect of women in the country cannot be seen according to the party," he said while addressing the media in Mumbai

The Mumbai South MP landed in soup after a video went viral on Friday which purportedly showed him referring to Shaina NC as "imported maal". Shaina NC left the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to join the Shinde Sena earlier this week. 

She is contesting the November 20 assembly election from the Mumbadevi constituency in Mumbai. She is pitted against Amin Patel of Congress from the constituency.

After the controversy over the remark erupted, an FIR was registered in Mumbai on Friday. Shaina also called on the Mumbai Police to take appropriate action against the Shiv Sena-UBT leader. She also attacked Shiv Sena UBT, saying Sawant's statement showed the mentality of the Uddhav Thackeray-led party.

"Calling a professional and a political worker of 20 years a 'maal' shows the mentality of Shiv Sena (UBT). Why are Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, and Nana Patole silent?" she asked.

"The voters of Mumbadevi will teach the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) a lesson," she said.

Earlier, reacting to her charge, Sawant had said that Shaina had misinterpreted the word maal. "In Hindi it means goods.  I also said our candidate is the original maal. Shaina is an old friend, not an enemy," he said.

"Understand the motive of spreading a narrative about bringing a video clip of a speech made two days ago. In my 50 years of political life I have never insulted anyone," he said, adding that Shaina had misinterpreted the word.

View More
Advertisement
Advertisement
25°C
New Delhi
Rain: 100mm
Humidity: 97%
Wind: WNW 47km/h
See Today's Weather
powered by
Accu Weather
Advertisement

Top Headlines

Indian Army Resumes Restricted Patrolling At Depsang Plains As Disengagement With China Progresses
Indian Army Resumes Restricted Patrolling At Depsang Plains As Disengagement With China Progresses
'Such Violent Acts Will Never Weaken India’s Resolve': PM Modi Condemns Attack On Hindu Temple In Canada
'Such Violent Acts Will Never Weaken India’s Resolve': PM Modi Condemns Attack On Hindu Temple In Canada
'I Have My Own Faith...': CJI Chandrachud Breaks Silence On 'Praying To God' For Solution To Ayodhya Case
'I Have My Own Faith...': CJI Chandrachud Breaks Silence On 'Praying To God' For Solution To Ayodhya Case
Chhath Puja: Packed Stations, Passengers Standing In Toilets As Overloaded Trains Struggle With Festival Rush
Chhath Puja: Packed Stations, Passengers Standing In Toilets As Overloaded Trains Struggle With Festival Rush
Advertisement
ABP Premium

Videos

Almora Bus Accident: Bus Carrying 42 Plunges Into Ravine in Uttarakhand | ABP NewsBreaking News: Poster Wars Heat Up in Lucknow Ahead of UP By-Elections | ABP NewsManoj Jarange Makes Bold Declaration Ahead of Maharashtra Elections 2024UP News: Political Resolution Looms for UP's 69,000 Teacher Recruitment Saga Ahead of By-Elections

Photo Gallery

Embed widget