The complaint, sent to the commission's office in New Delhi, seeks intervention against Raut and demands the registration of a criminal case over what Waghmare describes as a pattern of derogatory remarks over the past four years. She has alleged that the language used by Raut has crossed the limits of political criticism and amounted to the public humiliation of women holding elected or organisational positions.
Waghmare, who represents the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in the Rajya Sabha, has framed the complaint as a matter concerning the dignity of women in public life rather than a routine exchange between rival political camps. The complaint says Raut's conduct has damaged the tone of political debate in Maharashtra and discouraged women from participating in public affairs.
The allegations come against the backdrop of continuing hostility between the two Shiv Sena factions, whose rivalry has shaped Maharashtra politics since the split in the party in 2022. The Shinde-led faction is part of the ruling alliance in the state, while the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena remains a key opposition force. Raut, a senior leader and prominent public voice of the Thackeray faction, has frequently attacked Shinde and legislators who crossed over after the rebellion.
Waghmare has asked the NCW to take cognisance of the complaint and press for legal action. The commission is empowered to examine complaints involving deprivation of women's rights, harassment, gender-based insults and related grievances. It can seek reports from authorities, summon individuals and recommend action, though the registration of a criminal case rests with the police after assessment of the complaint and applicable law.
The complaint refers to remarks allegedly made against women leaders associated with the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Waghmare has accused Raut of repeatedly lowering the standard of political discourse by using language she says was intended to shame and intimidate women representatives. The complaint has also drawn attention to the wider question of whether political speech, even during sharp factional battles, should be allowed to include gendered abuse.
Raut, a Rajya Sabha member from Maharashtra, has been one of the most visible defenders of Uddhav Thackeray since the party split. His speeches, media briefings and newspaper columns have often targeted the ruling alliance and leaders who joined Shinde. Supporters of the Thackeray faction view his aggressive style as a response to what they describe as betrayal and political engineering. Critics argue that his rhetoric has repeatedly crossed acceptable boundaries.
The controversy has widened at a time when Maharashtra's political parties are preparing for another cycle of local and state-level battles. The two Sena factions continue to compete for the legacy of Bal Thackeray, control over party networks and influence over Marathi voters. Personal attacks have become a regular feature of the fight, with leaders on both sides using press conferences and social media to keep pressure on rivals.
Waghmare's move also reflects the Shinde faction's effort to place women's dignity at the centre of its counterattack against Raut. The complaint gives the faction a formal platform to challenge his language before a statutory body rather than confining the dispute to political rebuttals. It may also sharpen the debate over whether parties should enforce clearer internal standards for public statements by senior leaders.
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