Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India]: The stand-up sketch by comedian Kunal Kamra, where he allegedly made disparaging remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has escalated into a major political controversy.
Rohit Pawar’s Response: “Freedom of Expression No Longer Exists”
Reacting to Kamra’s remarks, NCP-SCP MLA Rohit Pawar asserted that Freedom of Expression no longer exists in India and emphasized that a satirical comment on Eknath Shinde would not diminish his stature.
“Such satirical remarks were a strength for several tall leaders, like Balasaheb Thackeray. Eknath Shinde is his worker. In 2003, such remarks were made on Chhagan Bhujbal, who is now in Mahayuti. At that time, his workers vandalized an office. Taking responsibility for it, Chhagan Bhujbal had resigned,” Rohit Pawar told ANI.
Drawing parallels, Pawar also referred to Rahul Gandhi’s response to a controversial remark about Rajiv Gandhi, saying:
“When Rahul Gandhi was asked about a petty comment on Rajiv Gandhi in a series, he said that Rajiv Gandhi’s significance will not diminish if someone says something like that. So, every artist has Freedom of Expression, but I would like to tell them that this is not the pre-2014 era. Here, Freedom of Expression does not exist anymore. So, all artists should be careful. Eknath Shinde is a tall leader; if someone makes a satirical remark about him, his stature won’t diminish. I think leaders should also impart some wisdom to their workers.”
Ajit Pawar’s Reaction: “Differences Should Not Lead to Police Action”
Maharashtra Deputy CM and NCP chief Ajit Pawar weighed in on the controversy, saying:
“I have said that no one should go beyond the law, Constitution, and rules. One should speak within their rights. Differences may exist, but it should be ensured that when they are speaking, the police do not have to take action.”
Minister of State for Home Defends Action Against Kamra
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Yogesh Ramdas Kadam reiterated that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, it does not permit insulting constitutional figures.
“The Constitution has provided freedom of speech. It doesn’t give you the right to insult those occupying Constitutional positions,” he stated.
FIRs Against Both Kunal Kamra and Shiv Sena Youth Wing
An FIR has been registered against both Kunal Kamra and Shiv Sena’s youth wing, which allegedly vandalized the Habitat Comedy Club where Kamra performed the controversial stand-up sketch.
According to Sub-Inspector Vijay of Khar police station, members of the Shinde Sena’s youth faction stormed the venue during a live show of stand-up comedian Rajat Sood, forced the event to stop, and vandalized the set.