"He had no intention of insulting women": Shiv Sena (UBT) Anil Desai on Arvind Sawant's derogatory remark on Shaina NC

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 3 (ANI): Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anil Desai came out in support of fellow leader Arvind Sawant over his 'imported maal' remark on Shiv Sena's Shaina NC, saying "he had no intention of insulting women."
The controversy began when Arvind Sawant, an MP of the Shiv Sena faction led by Uddhav Thackeray, allegedly referred to Shaina as "imported maal," saying, "Look at her condition. She was in the BJP all her life and now she went to another party. Imported 'maal' doesn't work here; only original 'maal' does."
Speaking to ANI, Anil Desai said, "He had no intention of insulting women. He immediately made it clear that he had no such intentions and he apologised for these things and he clarified everything."
Earlier on Friday, addressing reporters in Mumbai, Sawant apologised for his remarks and said that he was being "deliberately targeted."

"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 apologize if my statement hurt anyone's feelings," he said.
Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC also strongly condemned Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant's "imported maal" remark, stating that objectification of women, and outraging the modesty of women is not a small problem.
Speaking to ANI, Shiv Sena leader Shaina said, "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 cognizance. 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."
The Maharashtra Assembly election is set to take place on November 20, with vote counting for all 288 constituencies scheduled for November 23. (ANI)