Mumbai (Maharashtra), March 24: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday condemned comedian Kunal Kamra’s remarks about Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, insisting that such statements could not be defended as “freedom of speech.” Fadnavis stressed that while stand-up comedy is allowed, there are limits, and Kamra should apologize for his comments.
“There is freedom to perform stand-up comedy, but he cannot say whatever he wants. The people of Maharashtra have decided who the traitor is. Kunal Kamra should apologize. This will not be tolerated,” Fadnavis asserted.
The controversy stemmed from Kamra’s alleged mocking remarks about Shinde during his stand-up show. Fadnavis further criticized Kamra’s actions as a deliberate attempt to tarnish Shinde’s reputation. “There is the right to comedy, but if it is being done to defame our Deputy CM Eknath Shinde purposely, it is not right,” he said.
In a direct jab at Kamra, Fadnavis also compared him to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, saying, “Kunal Kamra has posted the same red Constitution book shown by Rahul Gandhi. Both of them have not read the Constitution. The Constitution allows freedom of speech, but it has limitations.”
The CM reinforced the legitimacy of the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly election results, emphasizing that the people of Maharashtra had shown their support for the government. “Those who were traitors were sent home by the people,” Fadnavis declared. “They showed those who insulted the mandate and ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray their place.”
Fadnavis warned against crossing boundaries in the name of humour, adding, “One may create humour, but making derogatory statements cannot be accepted. One cannot encroach on others’ freedom and ideology. This cannot be justified as freedom of speech.”
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also weighed in on the issue, stressing the importance of respecting legal boundaries. “There can be differences of opinion, but it should be noted that there need not be police involvement when they are talking,” Pawar stated.
Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC also criticized Kamra, accusing him of crossing a line from comedy to vulgarity. “You call Maharashtra’s most popular CM and deputy CM ‘gaddaar’ and label it comedy. This isn’t comedy – it’s vulgarity,” she said.
Shaina NC further questioned Kamra’s motivations, suggesting he was being used by the UBT faction of Shiv Sena for political reasons. “Who is this Kunal Kamra, hired and used as a puppet by UBT as a diversionary tactic? Can you stoop so low for cheap publicity?” she remarked.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel filed an FIR against Kamra for his remarks and demanded an apology within two days, threatening that Kamra would face consequences if he did not comply. This came after Shiv Sena workers vandalized the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, where Kamra’s show was filmed, in response to his comments on Shinde.