"Action Causes Reaction": Eknath Shinde Defends Vandalism Over Kunal Kamra's Remark
Mumbai, Maharashtra: The heat over comedian Kunal Kamra’s remark has reached the Maharashtra assembly as Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday reacted to the reports of vandalism by Shiv Sena workers in the premises of Mumbai’s Habitat studio, a venue for the stand-up comedy shows.
Addressing the controversy, the Shiv Sena leader said that an action causes reaction, adding that the other person should also maintain a certain level. “Freedom of speech is there, but there should be a limit,” the Shiv Sena leader said, indirectly defending the party workers’ vandalism.
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Known for his outright political views expressed through his shows, Kunal Kamra recently targeted the Maharashtra deputy chief minister with a parody version of ‘Bholi Si Surat’, a popular song from the 1997 blockbuster Dil To Pagal Hai. He used the ‘gaddar’ (traitor) jibe against Shinde, who led a rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray in 2022, bringing down his government and splitting the party.
The comedian’s jibe sparked a political storm, with Shive Sena protesters unleashing vandalism in the premises of Habitat studio, where the show took place. Following the incident, Habitat studio has decided to shut down its operation, expressing its shock over the vandalism
“We are shocked, worried and extremely broken by the recent acts of vandalism targeting us. Artists are solely responsible for their views and creative choices. We have never been involved in the content done by any artist, but the recent events have made us rethink about how we get blamed and targeted every time, almost like we are a proxy for the performer,” the platform said in a statement. Adding further, Habitat said that it is shutting down till it figure out the best way to provide a platform for free expression without putting themselves and their property in jeopardy.
However, Kamra in the statement released, has defended his right to free speech and criticised the violent reaction to his stand-up comedy piece, asserting that he will not apologise for his remark on the deputy chief minister.
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In addition, multiple FIRs have been filed against the comedian. On Tuesday, Police have also reportedly sent a summons to the comedian’s house asking him to appear before the investigating officer at 11 am in connection with his remark over Shinde. While speaking in the assembly, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis warned that he would teach a lesson to the comedian.
Notably, netizens have slammed the ‘futile’ uproars in the assembly, which was earlier about Mughal emperor Aurangzeb tomb and now about Kunal Kamra, without making any meaningful discussions concerning the state.
