Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has strongly reacted to stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra’s alleged remarks against Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. Speaking in the state Assembly on Monday, Fadnavis asserted that while satire and political humor are acceptable, freedom of expression cannot be used as a tool for tyranny.
“We appreciate humor and satire. Political satire is welcome, but if freedom of expression leads to tyranny, it will not be accepted,” said Fadnavis.
Targeting Kamra’s style of comedy, he remarked that the comedian resorts to “low-quality” performances and controversy to gain attention. “This artist regularly makes statements against the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice. Now, he has targeted Eknath Shinde with substandard comedy. The people will decide whether Shinde is a traitor or a selfish person,” he added.
Referring to Shinde as the rightful heir to Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy, Fadnavis questioned whether the opposition had orchestrated Kamra’s show. “Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy is with Eknath Shinde. Those sitting on the opposition benches who support Kamra—have you given a supari (contract) for this stand-up act?” he asked.
The Chief Minister further criticized Kamra’s tweet featuring a photo of the Constitution, stating, “If he had truly read the Constitution, he wouldn’t have committed such atrocities. No one has the right to insult others. He is free to write satire or poems about us, but if he crosses the line, action will be taken. Such things will not be tolerated in Maharashtra.”
Meanwhile, Mumbai Police arrested 11 members of the Yuva Sena, the youth wing of Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, on Monday for vandalizing the Habitat Comedy venue. The group had stormed the venue during comedian Rajat Sood’s live show, forcing it to stop and causing damage. Their protest was in response to Kamra’s alleged derogatory remarks in his recent comedy special, Naya Bharat, released on YouTube.
Shiv Sena has strongly condemned Kamra’s comments, while the opposition in Maharashtra has blamed the Mahayuti government for a “breakdown of law and order.”
Police officials have registered an FIR under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), 2023, along with provisions of the Maharashtra Police Act, against those involved in the vandalism.