New Delhi/IBNS: Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar admonished political leaders for making controversial or sexist remarks against women and directed officials to deal strictly with violators in the wake of a huge row over remarks made against BJP's Shaina NC, who is contesting Maharashtra polls on Shinde-led Sena's ticket, media reports said Friday.

Kumar's reaction came during a review meeting with district poll officers, municipal commissioners, and police chiefs ahead of the Maharashtra election, scheduled on Nov 20, ANI quoting sources reported.

The Election Commission had earlier asked political parties and candidates to refrain from actions or making remarks that are derogatory to the honour and dignity of women.

Kumar's comments come in the wake of the controversy over remarks made by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant about Shaina NC.

Arvind Sawant remarked in response to a reporter's question about Shaina's chances of winning as she will contest the Mumbadevi seat, that has been held by the Congress' Amin Patel since 2009.

Expressing her outrage, Shaina has earlier questioned why leaders like Priyanka Gandhi and Priyanka Chaturvedi from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), which comprises Congress, the Sharad Pawar-led NCP, and Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena, had not condemned the remark.

She also challenged Congress candidate Amin Patel, claiming he laughed during Sawant’s comments.

"Would he react the same way if the remark was directed at a woman from his religion or community?” she asked.

Shaina had stated that she had campaigned for Sawant in past elections, during which he referred to her as "ladki behen," but now he has stooped to the level of objectifying women.

“In 2014 and 2019, I was a ‘ladki behen’ (dear sister), but now I am ‘maal’? I am a daughter of Maa Mumbadevi; I will fight and I will win,” she was quoted as saying by India Today.

The situation intensified when Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut defended Sawant’s comments, asserting that no apology was necessary.

In response, Shaina had said, “If Sanjay Raut has no objection to the word 'maal', it shows his mentality,” adding, “Maal is objectification. It means you are the property of someone."

Shaina argued that the election discourse should focus on the issues facing the Mumbadevi constituency, such as the redevelopment of Kamathipura and chawls.

Meanwhile, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar had earlier commented on the issue during a speech in Baramati, advising that “one should take care while talking,” but he refrained from labelling Sawant’s remarks as a personal attack.