MUMBAI: The State Commission for Women, led by senior BJP leader Vijaya Rahatkar, has sent a notice to NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik for "defamatory" remarks made against state rural development minister Pankaja Munde .

After Malik described Munde as 'daruwali bai', Beed district women committee head Shalinitai Karad, a gynaecologist, knocked at the doors of the commission, saying, the NCP spokesperson's remark was "highly objectionable" and lowered a woman's dignity.

Malik said that the process adopted by the state women commission was "politically motivated to harass political activists", particularly from the Opposition. "I am firm on my statement. I had then observed that Munde is a 'daruwali bai', even now, there is no change in my view. I have replied to the commission's notice," Malik said.

He pointed out that despite chief minister Devendra Fadnavis' assurance on the floor of the house, it was shocking that the commission is yet to initiate a probe against BJP leader Ganesh Pande, against whom a BJP woman officer had lodged a complaint in writing. "The commission appears to be selective. It appears to be politically motivated," Malik said.