Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India], November 5 : Following an FIR lodged against Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sunil Raut for an alleged derogatory statement about a female candidate, NCP leader Praful Patel called for greater respect for women, emphasizing on Maharashtra government's Ladli Behen Yojana.

Patel highlighted the Maharashtra government's initiatives, including the 'Ladli Behen' scheme which, as well as Prime Minister Modi's efforts in promoting women's empowerment over the last decade.

Responding to the FIR lodged against Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sunil Raut, NCP leader Praful Patel said, "Women should be respected. 'Nari Shakti' makes up half of our population. Today, we are coming to the forefront. Maharashtra Govt has issued schemes like 'Ladli Behen', this is not just for money but to increase respect for women & self-confidence"
Patel further emphasized the importance of the recent Constitutional amendment ensuring 33% women's representation in legislative bodies, set to take effect after the upcoming delimitation process in 2029.
"PM Modi has worked for women empowerment for 10 years. Other parties made tall claims but never implemented it. In 2029, Constitutional amendments were made for 33% women representation in Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha. This is going to be implemented after delimitation," he added.

Meanwhile, an FIR has been registered against Sunil Raut, the Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate from Vikroli constituency and brother of Sanjay Raut for his reported objectionable comments against a woman candidate of chief minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

The FIR has been registered under Sections 79, 351(2) and 356(2) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Reportedly, Sunil Raut while addressing an election rally called the Shiv Sena Shinde faction's Vikhroli assembly candidate Suvarna Karanje a "goat".

Sunil Raut is the candidate for the Shiv Sena UBT from the Vikhroli assembly constituency, from where he contested and won previously in the 2014 and 2019 assembly elections. This time he is contesting against Karanje from the Shiv Sena party and Vishwajeet Dholam from the MNS party.

Maharashtra elections will be held in a single phase on November 20 with counting of votes held on November 23.

In the 2019 assembly elections in Maharashtra, the BJP won 105 seats, the Shiv Sena 56, and the Congress 44. In 2014, the BJP secured 122 seats, the Shiv Sena 63, and the Congress 42.