Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Yogesh Ramdas Kadam on Monday responded to stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra’s remarks about Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, stating that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, it does not allow individuals to insult those holding constitutional positions.
“The Constitution provides freedom of speech, but it does not grant anyone the right to insult those occupying constitutional positions,” Kadam asserted.
Addressing the vandalism at Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, the minister assured that appropriate action would be taken against those responsible.
The controversy follows remarks by Shiv Sena Yuva Sena (Shinde faction) General Secretary Rahool Kanal, who issued a strong warning to Kamra over his criticism of Eknath Shinde. “Abhi tak toh yeh trailer hai, picture abhi baki hai” (This was just a trailer; the full picture is yet to come), Kanal had warned.
Kanal, along with party workers, allegedly stormed the comedy club, disrupted a live show, and vandalized the set. Following this, an FIR was registered against him and 19 others under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including Sections 132, 189(2), 189(3), 190, 191(2), 324(5), 324(6), 223, 351(2), 352, 333, 37(1), and 135, along with Sections 37(1) and 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act.
Kanal defended the actions, alleging that Kamra’s stand-up special was part of a “paid conspiracy” and warned the comedian that he would be taught a lesson “Shiv Sena style”.
The incident comes amid growing opposition from Shinde Sena leaders, who have accused Kamra of mocking Deputy CM Eknath Shinde in his new stand-up special.
