'Low-level attacks': CEC Rajiv Kumar condemns derogatory remarks against women politicians

CEC Rajiv Kumar (Courtesy: AP photo)

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar on Friday condemned derogatory and undignified remarks made against women during campaigning ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections.

According to sources, he has directed officials to take strict action against those who make such 'low-level' comments.

The CEC was addressing a review meeting of officials via video-conference along with election commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu. Police commissioners, superintendents of police, district election officers, municipal commissioners and returning officers were present in the meeting.

"No aspect of private life, not connected with the public activities of leaders or workers of other political parties, is to be criticised," the sources quoted CEC Kumar as saying.

He directed for action against those making "low-level" personal attacks.

The CEC's statement comes days after Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant made objectionable remarks against Shiv Sena's Mumbadevi candidate Shaina NC.

Sawant, during a media interaction, referred to the former BJP leader as 'imported maal' sparking a controversy. "All her life, she (Shaina) stayed in the BJP and now look at her ... Humare yahan imported maal nahi chalta (Imported material does not work here). Only original maal works here," he said.

Shaina NC had filed a formal complaint against the UBT leader over the remark at the Nagpada police station in Mumbai. She also took to her X (formerly Twitter) handle and posted in Hindi "Mahila hoon, maal nahi" (I'm a woman, not goods/material).

, #MahilaHoonMaalNahi
Shaina Chudasama Munot (@ShainaNC) November 1, 2024

The Election Commission panel had earlier issued directions to political parties and candidates to refrain from any deeds, actions or utterances that might be construed as being repugnant to the honour and dignity of women.