Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has strongly defended his ally and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, calling for comedian Kunal Kamra to apologize for his derogatory remarks that led to violent protests by Shiv Sena workers. The incident occurred after Kamra targeted Shinde during a comedy show, prompting Sena members to vandalize a studio in Mumbai.
Fadnavis expressed his disapproval of Kamra’s comments, stating that while comedy is not inherently problematic, disrespecting individuals is unacceptable. He emphasized that mocking Shinde in such a manner was inappropriate. “Such low-level comedy and disrespecting the Deputy Chief Minister is not right,” Fadnavis remarked. He also addressed Kamra’s use of the word “gaddar” (traitor), referring to Shinde’s role in leading a rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray’s government in 2022, which ultimately split the Shiv Sena party.
Fadnavis pointed out that the people of Maharashtra will decide who the true “gaddar” is in the 2024 elections, and that they have already chosen the leader who represents the legacy of Bal Thackeray. He further stressed that Kamra should apologize for his comments, adding that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, there are limitations to this freedom. “You cannot encroach on others’ freedom,” Fadnavis stated.
The controversy was also addressed by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who urged individuals to speak responsibly to avoid police intervention. “Differences of opinion may exist, but care must be taken to ensure that statements do not compel the police to act,” he said.
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The unrest began when Shiv Sena workers stormed Mumbai’s Habitat studio in protest of Kamra’s remarks, recorded about a month ago. Sena members were seen causing significant damage to the studio’s equipment, including cameras, lights, and speakers. Kamra had targeted Shinde in a parody of the song “Bholi Si Surat” from the 1997 film Dil To Pagal Hai, referring to him as a “gaddar.”
In response to the incident, multiple FIRs were filed against Kamra, including one from Minister Pratap Sarnaik. The studio, a popular venue for comedy shows, announced its temporary closure, citing concerns over safety and property damage. In a statement, the studio expressed its shock and distress over the vandalism, stating that it was reevaluating how to provide a platform for free expression without jeopardizing its operations. The studio also emphasized that artists are solely responsible for their views and creative choices, but the recent events had made them reconsider the risks involved in hosting such shows.
The incident has sparked widespread debate, with some politicians criticizing the Shiv Sena’s reaction. Aaditya Thackeray of Shiv Sena (UBT) described the reaction as an overreaction from an “insecure coward.” MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also voiced her concerns, stating that the vandalism demonstrated the truth in Kamra’s joke and questioned the growing intolerance within the party.
On the other hand, Pratap Sarnaik defended the actions of Shiv Sena workers, explaining that while he does not condone violence, the objectionable remarks made against their leader warranted a strong response. He also criticized the studio for hosting an “illegal” event. Meanwhile, Milind Deora from Shiv Sena (UBT) slammed the opposition’s criticisms, accusing them of exhibiting “classist arrogance.”
In the aftermath, Mumbai Police registered two separate cases: one against Kunal Kamra for his controversial remarks and another against Shiv Sena workers for their acts of vandalism. The ongoing dispute highlights the deepening political and social divides in Maharashtra.
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