New Delhi: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has intensified his criticism of comedian Kunal Kamra, describing his satirical jibe as “a hit job done for money.”
Shinde questioned Kamra’s motives, asking, “Whose supari does he take to do such things?” He remarked, “Freedom of speech is important, but it should not be misused. Every action has a reaction.”
Shinde also distanced himself from the vandalism carried out by Shiv Sena workers at the Habitat Comedy Club, stating, “I do not support vandalism, but it happened due to party workers’ sentiments.” He hinted at a conspiracy, alleging, “Speaking about someone, insulting them—this is a conspiracy.”
Shiv Sena leader Rahul Kanal, arrested for the vandalism, defended the actions, saying, “This is just the trailer; the picture is yet to come.” Kanal accused Kamra of targeting elders and disrupting law and order.
Kamra, however, remains unapologetic. “I will not apologize. What I said is exactly what Ajit Pawar said about Eknath Shinde. I don’t fear this mob and won’t hide under my bed,” he asserted. Kamra also criticized the vandalism, likening it to overturning a lorry carrying tomatoes because someone disliked butter chicken.
ALSO READ: Vandalism at BAPS Temple in California sparks outrage amid rising Hinduphobia
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned Kamra’s remarks, calling them “reckless” and demanding an apology. “Freedom of expression doesn’t mean one can say anything. Insulting Shinde won’t be tolerated,” he said. Fadnavis also suggested that Kamra’s act was a “paid conspiracy,” adding, “Those who take a supari to insult our leaders need to be taught a lesson.”
Actress Kangana Ranaut weighed in on the controversy sparked by comedian Kunal Kamra’s joke, stating that one cannot insult someone in the name of comedy.
Kangana Ranaut’s criticism of the city’s law and order under Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership in 2020 escalated tensions, ultimately leading to the BMC demolishing her office.
The controversy has escalated further with the Maharashtra government announcing a probe into Kamra’s financial transactions and call records. Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam stated, “We will investigate if there is any mastermind behind Kamra’s actions.”
ALSO READ: Abu Azmi defends Aurangzeb, ignites political firestorm, faces FIR
Opposition leaders, including Uddhav Thackeray, have defended Kamra. Thackeray remarked, “Calling a traitor a traitor is not wrong. Kamra merely expressed his views.” Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar also criticized the government, saying, “This is an attack on free speech.”
The incident has sparked a broader debate on the limits of satire and freedom of expression in India. Kamra’s parody song, which referred to Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor), has become a flashpoint in Maharashtra’s political landscape.
