A first information report (FIR) was registered in Mumbai on Friday against Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray MP Arvind Sawant for referring to Shaina N C, an assembly elections candidate of the rival Shiv Sena, as 'imported maal'.

Sawant, MP of Mumbai South, claimed that his remark was being misinterpreted, while Shaina, who is contesting from Mumbadevi assembly seat in the city, said it showed the mentality of the Uddhav Thackeray-led party.

Recent incidents in Maharashtra and Jharkhand highlight the growing issue of male politicians making derogatory remarks about female candidates. In Jharkhand, Congress minister Irfan Ansari referred to his BJP opponent, Sita Soren, with an indecent term, sparking outrage.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP from Mumbai South, Arvind Sawant on Saturday tendered an apology for his off-the-cuff ‘maal’ reference to a Shiv Sena candidate, fashionista Shaina Nana Chudasama that sparked off a...