CM announces action amid war of words

Mumbai: A day after, the angry Shiv Sena workers ransacked a studio protesting against Kunal Kamra, swords were out for the humorist’s blood. While the ruling Mahayuti called him “a contractor” who had attacked Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at someone’s behest the Opposition advised the government to take humour with a big heart.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the "reckless" misuse of the freedom of speech will not be tolerated. "His modus operandi is to create a controversy for publicity. Kamra's aim was to belittle Shinde in the eyes of the people. The opposition is supporting such a talk and one wonders whether Kamra is hand-in-glove with the opposition. He has posted a picture of himself with a red copy of the Constitution book which Rahul Gandhi carries.”

The CM announced that action shall be taken against Kamra for his “contract satire” of a respectable leader like Shinde. Fadnavis said there is no problem with satire, but it should not insult anyone and said that freedom of speech should not be misused.

“This is wrong. You do comedy, do satire. But, if someone is trying to insult, it will not be tolerated. Freedom should not be unrestrained behaviour. No one has the right to do such low-level comedy and disrespect the former chief minister, deputy chief minister, and senior leaders of the state, who are respected by the people of the state,” Fadnavis said.

"The people of Maharashtra have decided who the traitor is. People have voted and supported us in the assembly elections in 2024. Those who were traitors were sent home by the people. The people showed those who insulted the mandate and ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray their place. One may create humour, but making derogatory statements cannot be accepted. One cannot encroach on others' freedom and ideology. This cannot be justified as the Freedom of speech." he added.The Maharashtra chief minister also criticised the comedian over his X post with a photograph holding the Constitution. “Kunal Kamra shows the Constitution. If he knows about the Constitution, if he has read it, then the Constitution says that freedom cannot be abused. You cannot encroach on the freedom of others,” said Fadnavis.Deputy CM Ajit Pawar toed his boss’s line. “One should speak within their rights. I have observed that no one should go beyond the law, constitution, and rules. One should speak within their rights. Differences of opinion may exist, but care must be taken to ensure that the police department does not have to intervene due to their statements.”

What Kamra did?

Kamra sang a parody version of "Bholi Si Surat", a popular song from the 1997 blockbuster ‘Dil To Pagal Hai’ targeting Eknath Shinde. He used the 'gaddar' (traitor) jibe against the Shiv Sena leader, who led a rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray in 2022 and became the CM. The song also had mention of Guwahati and also referred to splitting of Shiv Sena and the NCP while stating that it all began from Thane.The MIDC police station in Mumbai registered a Zero FIR Monday against Kamra. At least 11 Shiv Sena workers were arrested for the violence at the Habitat Studio in Khar. Several Shiv Sena workers on Sunday night gathered outside Hotel Unicontinental, where the Habitat is located. They allegedly ransacked the studio and the hotel premises.

Habitat Studio to shut down

Habitat Studio, the performance and event venue in Mumbai, announced that they were shutting down after Shiv Sena's workers vandalised its premises over Kamra's alleged defamatory remarks against Shinde during a show.

In an Instagram post on Monday, the studio said: "We are shocked, worried and extremely broken by the recent acts of vandalism targeting us."

The studio said artists are "solely responsible for their views and creative choices" and they have never been involved in the content performed by them.

"But recent events have made us rethink about how we get blamed and targeted every time almost like we are the proxy for the performer.

"We are shutting down till we figure out the best way to provide a platform for free expression without putting ourselves and our property in jeopardy. We invite all artists, audience and stakeholders to discuss and share their views free and request your guidance so that we also respect the performers' rights," the note further read.

This is the same studio where comedian Veer Allahabadia had recorded his crass comments on parents leading to major controversy last month.

FIR against Kamra for 'defamatory' remarks on Shinde

The Mumbai police on Monday registered an FIR against stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra for allegedly making defamatory remarks against Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

After a video went viral showing Kamra allegedly using defamatory words against Shinde, MLA Patel lodged a police complaint.

In the nearly two-minute video, Kamra also mocked the ruling NCP and Shiv Sena.

Another FIR was registered by the Khar police against 19 Shiv Sena functionaries, including Rahul Kanal, Kunal Sarmalkar and Akshay Panvelkar, and 15 to 20 unidentified persons for allegedly vandalising the studio and ransacking the hotel properties.

Shinde remains silent on controversy

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday said he has followed the principle of '80 per cent social work and 20 per cent politics' of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray in his career and pledged to continue working for the common man.

Shinde's remarks came after the state assembly passed a unanimous resolution congratulating him for receiving the 'Adya Jagatguru Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj Puraskar', a prestigious award from the Warkari (devotees of Lord Vitthal) community, earlier this month.

The resolution comes amid a row over stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra's alleged defamatory remarks against Shiv Sena leader Shinde, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis demanding an apology from Kamra for "insulting" his deputy even as the opposition came out in support of the controversial comic.

Shinde has not yet responded to the controversy.

"In my 40-year-long career, I have followed Balasaheb Thackeray's principle of 80 per cent social work and 20 per cent politics and  pledged to continue working for the common man," the deputy CM said.

'It is due to the work I did as chief minister the state gave a landslide victory (to the Mahayuti comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP). We will continue to work for the people. Our responsibility has increased,' he said.

QUOTES

“The party workers will not allow Kamra to move on the streets if he doesn't apologise to Shinde in two days.”

Murji Patel, MLA, BJP

“The studio where the programme was shot is illegal.”

Pratap Sarnaik, Minister, Transport

“Kamra would no longer be allowed to roam freely in Maharashtra. He would be chased by the party workers throughout the country. You will be forced to flee India.”

Naresh Mhaske, MP, Shiv Sena

“Kamra seems to be targeting Shinde on someone's instructions. As he has crossed the limits, we will blacken his face wherever we spot him."

Ram Kadam, MLA, BJP

"We support @kunalkamra88 unequivocally. Shame @Dev_Fadnavis - Eknath shinde has just shown that you have zero powers as home minister. You couldn't keep peace in Nagpur and now you have brought vandalism to Mumbai!"

Preeti Sharma Menon, Mumbai President, AAP

“The case where a simple non-cognizable offence can't stand, an FIR is registered. This is mockery of law. The police should publish a list of words which cannot be used when criticising the government and it should also declare what is okay for the ruling alliance leaders.”

Sachin Sawant, State General Secretary, Congress