Arvind Sawant, leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), has apologised for his comment about “imported maal” directed at Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC. He stated that he felt he was being “deliberately targeted”.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday in Mumbai, Sawant stated that he would never insult a woman and added that his remarks were "interpreted differently." "Some allegations have been made against me for the past few days. A complaint has been lodged against me in this regard. We will never insult women. An atmosphere is being created that I have insulted a woman, I have never done this in my life. One of my statements was interpreted differently. I apologise if my statement hurt anyone's feelings," he said.

He further said, "I am being deliberately targeted by giving a different meaning, 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". Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC harshly denounced Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant's "imported maal" comment earlier today, saying that objectifying women and disparaging their modesty is not a small problem. 

"FIR has been registered in Nagpada police station under Sections 79 and 356(2) outraging the modesty of women. The Election Commission and Women Commission have also taken cognisance. This is a fight for the respect of women...Objectification of women, and outraging the Modesty of women is not a small problem. The truth will be in front of everyone in the video but this mindset and perverted mentality is visible," Shiv Sena leader Shaina said while speaking to ANI. 

Sawant allegedly called Shaina "imported maal," saying, "Look at her condition," which sparked a scandal on November 1. She joined a different party after spending her entire life in the BJP. Only the original 'maal' works here; imported'maal' does not." 

In response, Shaina lodged a complaint against him at the Nagpada Police Station on Friday night. The police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) under Sections 79 and 356(2) for insulting women. The Election Commission and the Women’s Commission are also taking action against Arvind Sawant, a leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT). After receiving criticism for his comment about "imported maal," Sawant said he never mentioned Shaina's name. "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 said while speaking to ANI. Sawant went on to claim that he has always respected women and said that his detractors are attempting to damage his reputation. 

"They file defamation cases, yet it is they who are defaming me. I condemn their intent. I have been in politics for 55 years, and have always respected women. Those who are supporting her ask them to answer whatever questions I have asked. 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," Sawant added. The election for the Maharashtra Assembly is scheduled on November 20. On November 23, the votes from all 288 seats will be counted.