Hello Mumbai City Desk :

A criminal case was filed under Article 79 and Section 356(2) of the THE BHARATIYA NYAYA SANHITA, 2023 at Nagpada Police Station following the offensive remarks made by Sena UBT MP Arvind Sawant against Shiv Sena’s Mumbadevi constituency candidate Shaina NC. The Shiv Sena promptly reported the incident, leading to formal charges against Sawant.

Reflecting on the incident, Shaina NC stated, “Today, on the day of Lakshmi Puja, I am reminded of my two decades in politics. I am a woman, not a commodity. Women will not stand silent in the face of derogatory language directed at them.” She added, “With Mumba Devi’s blessings, I am committed to serving Mumbaikars. Arvind Sawant’s comments highlight the anti-women mentality within the Sena UBT faction.”

Shaina NC criticised Sawant’s actions as contradictory to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s Ladki Bahin Yojana, a scheme dedicated to empowering women across Maharashtra. “Our culture respects and honours women, yet Sawant’s disrespectful words stand in stark contrast. Why have leaders like Uddhav Thackeray, Sanjay Raut, Sharad Pawar, and Nana Patole remained silent on this issue?” Shaina NC questioned

Shiv Sena spokesperson Sheetal Mhatre warned that women across the state would remember this insult in the upcoming elections. Mahila Aghadi has formally requested the police to take strict legal action against Sawant and called for his candidacy to be rescinded. “How will Sena UBT and Aaditya Thackeray address Sawant’s statement?” Mhatre asked.

Shaina NC further highlighted the government’s commitment to women’s welfare through various initiatives. “The Chief Minister’s Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana has already benefited 2.5 crore women across the state. It is unfortunate and shameful that leaders from the Maha Vikas Aghadi view women as mere ‘commodities.’ Even more disturbing was Congress candidate Amin Patel’s apparent amusement as Sawant made these remarks.”