Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday strongly condemned comedian Kunal Kamra’s remarks against Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, stating that such statements “cannot be justified as freedom of speech.” He demanded an apology from Kamra, asserting that Maharashtra will not tolerate such comments.
Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis emphasized that while stand-up comedy is a legitimate art form, it does not grant the right to make unchecked statements against political figures.
“There is freedom to do stand-up comedy, but he cannot speak whatever he wants. The people of Maharashtra have already decided who the traitor is. Kunal Kamra should apologise. This will not be tolerated,” he asserted.
The Maharashtra CM accused Kamra of deliberately trying to defame Eknath Shinde, stating: “There is a right to comedy, but if it is being done to defame our Deputy CM on purpose, it is not acceptable.”
Fadnavis also took a dig at Kamra, linking him to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, saying: “Kunal Kamra has posted the same red Constitution book that Rahul Gandhi shows. Both of them have not read the Constitution. Freedom of speech exists, but it has limitations.”
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel has filed an FIR against Kunal Kamra for his remarks and demanded that he apologise within two days. Patel warned that if Kamra did not comply, he would “not be allowed to move freely in Mumbai.”
Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC also slammed Kamra, accusing him of crossing the line under the guise of comedy.
“You call Maharashtra’s most popular CM and Deputy CM ‘gaddaar’ (traitor) and call it comedy? This isn’t comedy – it’s vulgarity.”
She further alleged that Kamra was being used by the Uddhav Thackeray (UBT) faction as a political distraction, stating: “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?”
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also commented on the controversy, stressing the need for legal and constitutional limits on speech: “Nobody should go beyond the law, Constitution, and rules. Differences of opinion exist, but there should be no need for police intervention over speech.”
However, the controversy escalated further when Shiv Sena workers vandalised the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar on Sunday, protesting against Kamra’s remarks.
With an FIR filed, political leaders demanding an apology, and violence erupting over the controversy, the debate over freedom of speech in political satire continues to heat up in Maharashtra.
