Mumbai: Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has addressed the controversy surrounding comedian Kunal Kamra’s purported joke about him, stating, “We appreciate satire, but there must be boundaries.”
The controversy erupted on Sunday when Kamra allegedly made a joke referring to Shinde as a ‘gaddar’ (traitor), seemingly mocking him by altering a song from the Hindi film ‘Dil Toh Pagal Hai’ without directly naming him.
Shiv Sena leaders condemned Kamra’s comments, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis calling for an apology from the comedian for his “low-level comedy.”
In his initial remarks on the issue, Shinde emphasized, “While freedom of speech exists and we recognize satire, there should be limits.”
Additionally, Shinde appeared to direct criticism at the opposition, suggesting that Kamra’s alleged joke was akin to taking a ‘supari’ (contract) to speak out against someone.
He further remarked that this individual had previously made disparaging comments about the Prime Minister, the Supreme Court of India, journalist Arnab Goswami, and various industrialists. “This is not freedom of speech; this is working for someone,” Shinde asserted.
It is worth noting that Shiv Sena activists had invaded the Habitat comedy club, where Kamra was performing, resulting in vandalism. Several party leaders were subsequently detained and arrested by Mumbai police for the damage inflicted on the venue.
In response to the actions of Shiv Sainiks, Shinde remarked that “the other party should also uphold a certain standard; otherwise, actions will provoke reactions.”
An FIR has been filed at the Khar police station against 19 Shiv Sena leaders and workers under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Maharashtra Police Act.
What were Kunal Kamra’s remarks?
Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra addressed the controversy surrounding his purported ‘traitor’ comment directed at the deputy Chief Minister, emphasizing that freedom of expression should not be confined to only praising those in authority.
He asserted that his right to joke about public figures remains intact and stated that he will not retract his statement.
Kamra expressed his willingness to cooperate with legal authorities regarding any legitimate actions taken against him.
Additionally, he condemned the assault on the comedy club where his recent special was recorded, clarifying that the “Habitat (or any other venue) is not accountable for my comedy, nor does it possess any influence or control over my words or actions. This also applies to any political party.”
Kamra further remarked, “Attacking a venue due to a comedian’s statements is as irrational as overturning a truck full of tomatoes simply because you were dissatisfied with the butter chicken served to you.”
