LIVE: Unfazed Kunal Kamra comes out with video to take on Shiv Sena
Referring to vandalism of Kunal Kamra’s show’s venue by irate Sena activists, Eknath Shinde said every action causes a reaction
Breaking his silence on the row that has broken out over comic Kunal Kamra’s remark against him, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday (March 25) said decorum should be maintained while taking jibes, otherwise the action causes a reaction.
Likening Kamra’s jibe at him to taking “supari” (contract) to speak against someone, Shinde while speaking at a BBC Marathi event said he is all for freedom of speech, but there should be a limit.
Also Read: Kunal Kamra summoned by police for ‘gaddar’ jibe at Eknath Shinde
Row over ‘gaddar’ jibe
Kamra, 36, has kicked up a major political storm in Maharashtra for calling, albeit without naming, Shinde a “gaddar” (traitor) at a recent show in Mumbai. Kamra had performed a parody of a popular Hindi song from the film Dil Toh Pagal Hai for the act. He also made jokes about recent political developments in Maharashtra, including the Shiv Sena and NCP splits.
On Sunday night, Shiv Sena members damaged the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai's Khar area, where Kamra's show took place, as well as a hotel in whose premises the club is located.
Also Read: Kunal Kamra says he won’t apologise for joke on Shinde, says ‘don’t fear this mob’
‘Akin to taking supari’
"Freedom of speech is there. We understand satire. But there should be a limit. This is like taking 'supari' (contract) to speak against someone," Shinde said.
On the Shiv Sainiks vandalising the studio where Kamra had performed and made those remarks, Shinde said the other person should also maintain a certain level. "Otherwise, action causes reaction," he said.
"This same person (Kamra) had commented on the Supreme Court of India, the Prime Minister, (journalist) Arnab Goswami and some industrialists. This is not freedom of speech; this is working for someone," he added.
Also Read: Kamra row: Fadnavis must recover damages from Shiv Sainiks involved in vandalism, says Raut
Kamra summoned by police
Shinde’s reaction comes a day after Kamra, despite facing massive backlash over his remarks, refused to apologise and criticised the vandalism of the venue in Mumbai where the comedy show was recorded.
The comic on Tuesday has been summoned for questioning by Mumbai Police.
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- 25 March 2025 12:47 PM IST
Maharashtra ministers warn Kamra over refusal to apologise
Maharashtra’s Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam and Minister for Water Supply and Sanitation Gulab Raghunath Patil have reacted strongly over comedian Kunal Kamra’s refusal to apologise for his remarks during a recent show allegedly referring to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Kadam said, “He will be punished. If you are going to insult the Supreme Court, PM of India, Hindu Gods and Goddesses, it is not tolerable. You cannot behave like this in Maharashtra or India. We do enjoy comedy, but this is not the kind of comedy that will be tolerated in Maharashtra.”
Gulab Patil warned, “If he doesn’t apologise, we will speak to him in our own style. Shiv Sena won’t leave him. We won’t tolerate this insult. If he doesn’t apologise, he will come out, where will he hide? Shiv Sena will show its real form.”
