Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday commented on the ongoing controversy over comedian Kunal Kamra‘s ‘gaddar’ remark, saying there should be a “limit” to freedom of speech.
“Freedom of speech is there. We understand satire. But there should be a limit. This is like taking ‘supari’ (contract) to speak against someone,” Shinde.
On the Shiv Sainiks vandalising the studio where Kamra had performed and made those remarks, Shinde said the other person should also maintain a certain level.
“Otherwise, action causes reaction,” he said. The Deputy CM was speaking at a BBC Marathi event.
Earlier, Khar Police summoned Kunal Kamra to appear before the investigating officer at 11 am on Tuesday. The summons is in connection with Kamra’s remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Kunal Kamra reacts
Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra broke the silence amidst a row over his statement about Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. Kamra released a statement on his official social media handle and stated that he would not ‘apologise’ for his act.
Reacting to the ongoing tussle due to his remarks about Eknath Shinde in his latest YouTube video, Kunal Kamra stated that an entertainment venue is merely a platform and is not ‘responsible’ for his comedy.
“An entertainment venue is merely a platform. A space for all sorts of shows. Habitat (or any other venue) is not responsible for my comedy, nor does it have any power or control over what I say or do. Neither does any political party. Attacking a venue for a comedian’s words is as senseless as overturning a lorry carrying tomatoes, because you didn’t like the butter chicken you were served”, Kunal Kamra’s statement read.
Earlier on Monday, Mumbai Police registered an FIR against Kamra for allegedly making defamatory remarks against Eknath Shinde during a show. He had referred to Shinde as a “traitor” and went on to sing a parody song.
Kamra used a modified version of a Hindi song from the movie ‘Dil Toh Pagal Hai’ to describe the 2022 rebellion of Shinde against his then boss Uddhav Thackeray.
Shiv Sainiks on Sunday night vandalised Habitat Studio in Khar area, where Kamra’s show with “gaddar” (traitor) jibe at Shinde was filmed, and a hotel where the studio is located.
