A "sexist" comment by Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant against BJP-turned-Shinde Shiv Sena candidate Shaina NC has sparked a controversy, forcing the former to withdraw his comment.  

The controversy broke out within days after Shaina, a long-time BJP functionary, switched sides and filed her nomination as a Shinde Sena candidate from Mumbadevi Assembly seat against Congress’ three-term MLA Amin Patel.

Talking to media persons, Sena (UBT) MP called Shaina as “maal” (goods), a comment that cast aspersions on her. “Yahan pe imported ‘maal’ (goods) nahin chalega… Yahan pe Muslim ‘maal’ chalta hai, aur wo hai hamare paas, Amin Patel…” Sawant remarked, while looking at a smiling Congress candidate Amin Patel.

The Shiv Sena (UBT), which is a part of the ruling MahaYuti, is supporting  Congress candidate Amin Patel in Mumbadevi Assembly constituency 

Alluding to Arvind Sawant’s comment labelling her as a ‘maal’,  Shaina said that Sawant could have avoided making such a comment, because “we (BJP) had campaigned for him and he was elected on our strength”.

“Ask him where he was…? I am a ‘laadli’ (beloved) daughter of Mumbai, and working for the people of the city. I don’t need certificates from Sawant or the SS (UBT),” an unfazed Shaina NC said with a smile.

After Shaina’s retort, Sawant  went on the defensive and said that he had very close personal equations with Shaina NC. “Looks like she misunderstood my (maal) comment. Maal also refers to it as goods, but she could have misinterpreted it… I had no such intentions to malign her, Sawant clarified.

Known earlier as Umerkhadi constituency, Mumbadevi is a minority dominated Assembly constituency.   Amin Patel has been representing  this constituency since 2009. He is seeking re-election to the state Assembly polls for the fourth term.

This constituency is witnessing a three-cornered contest among Patel, Shaina and the BJP “rebel” Atul Shah.

Meanwhile hectic talks are currently on to make Shah withdraw his candidature to boost the prospects of the MahaYuti’s Shaina, who hails from a mixed Gujarati-Dawoodi Bohra Muslim lineage.