Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has spoken out on the controversy surrounding stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra’s alleged joke about him. Shinde stated that while satire is understood, “there should be a limit” to such remarks.
The controversy erupted after Kamra seemingly mocked Shinde by altering the lyrics of a song from the Bollywood film Dil Toh Pagal Hai, allegedly referring to him as a ‘gaddar’ (traitor). This led to strong criticism from Shiv Sena leaders, with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis demanding an apology for what he called “low-level comedy.”
In his response, Shinde suggested that Kamra’s comments were part of a deliberate effort against him. “This is not freedom of speech, this is working for someone,” Shinde remarked, pointing out that the comedian had previously targeted figures like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Supreme Court, journalist Arnab Goswami, and certain industrialists.
The backlash from Shiv Sena workers escalated when they stormed the Habitat comedy club, where Kamra’s show had taken place, and vandalized the venue. Several Shiv Sena leaders and workers were later detained by Mumbai police for the incident.
Addressing the vandalism, Shinde defended his party workers, stating that “action causes reaction” and that the comedian should have maintained “a certain level” while making his remarks. An FIR was registered at Khar police station against 19 Shiv Sena workers under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Maharashtra Police Act.
Kunal Kamra, in response, refused to apologize, asserting that freedom of expression should not be restricted to only praising those in power. He maintained that he has the right to make jokes about public figures and is willing to cooperate with legal authorities.
Condemning the attack on the comedy club, Kamra argued that venues should not be held responsible for a comedian’s words. “Attacking a venue for a comedian’s words is as senseless as overturning a lorry carrying tomatoes because you didn’t like the butter chicken you were served,” he remarked.
