Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday condemned Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant’s recent remarks about Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC, calling them “unfortunate” and emphasizing that the women of Maharashtra would respond strongly in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Sawant sparked controversy on Friday with comments perceived as derogatory, referring to Shaina NC, who recently joined the Shiv Sena from the BJP, as “imported maal.” His remarks have since been widely criticized for their sexist undertone. In a press statement, Shinde expressed his disappointment and claimed that if Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray were alive, he would have reacted harshly to such comments. “It’s very unfortunate. Speaking ill of a woman is highly condemnable, and no amount of criticism is enough,” Shinde remarked. “Claiming to follow Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology, their actions reveal their true nature,” he added.

The derogatory language used by Sawant also led Shaina NC to file a formal police complaint, with an FIR registered at Nagpada police station under Sections 79 and 356(2) for outraging the modesty of women. Shaina, speaking out against the remarks, said, “This reflects the mindset of Arvind Sawant and his party. Does he think every woman of Mumbadevi is a ‘maal’?” She further highlighted the Shiv Sena’s efforts to support women’s empowerment through initiatives like the Ladki Behan Yojana and expressed confidence that women across the state would reject such misogyny at the polls.

Shaina added that the incident reveals a “perverted mentality” and that objectifying women is unacceptable. Both the Election Commission and the Women’s Commission have reportedly taken notice of the case, with the law expected to take its course.

Amidst the backlash, Sawant attempted to clarify his statement, claiming he did not mention Shaina’s name directly and accused the Mahayuti alliance of creating a controversy to damage his reputation.