Mumbai: Kunal Kamra’s purportedly defamatory comments directed at Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday sparked reactions from various political factions. Concurrently, the Mumbai police filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the stand-up comedian and approximately 40 members of the Shiv Sena for vandalizing the Habitat Studio, the venue for his performance the previous night.
The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP and Shiv Sena, condemned Kamra’s alleged statements, suggesting a conspiracy at play. In contrast, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) defended Kamra’s constitutional rights to free speech and expression.
Response from Mahayuti
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar emphasized that no one should breach the law, constitution, or regulations. He stated, “Individuals should express themselves within their rights. While differences may exist, it is important to note that police intervention is not necessary.”
Rahool Kanal, General Secretary of the Shiv Sena youth wing (Shinde faction), who is facing an FIR for the vandalism incident, accused Kamra of engaging in a “paid conspiracy.” Kanal asserted that the matter pertains to self-respect and the targeting of elders. He warned Kamra, stating, “The message is clear: ‘This is just the trailer; the main picture is yet to come.’ Whenever you are in Mumbai, expect to receive a lesson in true Shiv Sena fashion.”
BJP MLA Ram Kadam remarked to ANI that Kamra’s comments were strategically timed to divert attention from the Thackeray family’s alleged connection to the Disha Salian case. He further claimed that “insulting” a former chief minister equates to an “insult to the land of Maharashtra.”
“Whose agenda is he serving? The Thackeray faction? Consider the timing. Did Kunal Kamra intentionally choose this moment to distract the public as soon as the Thackeray family’s name surfaced in the Disha Salian case? Is this at the behest of the Thackeray faction? What is the motive? It is time to publicly denounce him wherever he appears. The Maharashtra Government will take stringent action against Kunal Kamra, and we caution him that he cannot use derogatory language for trivial publicity,” Kadam stated.
MVA Supports Kamra
Sanjay Raut, a Member of Parliament from Shiv Sena (UBT), expressed that Kunal Kamra had made similar jokes about the MVA government and denounced acts of hooliganism. He stated, “I firmly believe in the principle of freedom of speech. If comments are not personal, they should be accepted. Political commentary should also be embraced, as it reflects the essence of our democracy. The vandalism of Kunal Kamra’s office and studio is an act of hooliganism.”
Rohit Pawar, an MLA from NCP-SCP, remarked that the current climate is not like the pre-2014 period, where comedians could freely express themselves, and he urged political leaders to guide their party members wisely.
He noted, “Such satirical comments have historically been a source of strength for prominent leaders, including Balasaheb Thackeray. Eknath Shinde is one of his followers. In 2003, similar remarks were directed at Chhagan Bhujbal, who is now part of Mahayuti. At that time, his supporters vandalized an office, and Chhagan Bhujbal took responsibility by resigning. When Rahul Gandhi faced criticism over a trivial comment about Rajiv Gandhi in a series, he responded that such remarks would not diminish Rajiv Gandhi’s legacy.”
Congress leader Pramod Tiwari emphasized that the Constitution protects freedom of expression. “If someone has been insulted, it is essential to investigate the issue. The courts are available to address such matters, but resorting to hooliganism is unacceptable,” he stated.
