After facing backlash for allegedly calling Shiv Sena candidate Shaina NC from Mumbadevi for the Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024 "imported maal," Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) faction Member of Parliament (MP) Arvind Sawant on Friday claimed that he did not mention the candidate's name and asserted that he is the true victim of defamation.

Sawant clarified that his remark was directed at outsiders, stating that they are not suitable for the local context, and added that Shaina is a friend whom he respects. "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.