Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has issued a stern warning against what he termed the misuse of freedom of expression, following controversial remarks by stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra targeting Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. The comments were made during a recent comedy special titled ‘Naya Bharat’, which sparked political outrage and public protest.
Speaking in the Maharashtra Assembly on Monday, Fadnavis said,
“We appreciate humour and satire. We accept political satire, but we do not accept freedom of expression if it leads to tyranny.”
Key Highlights:
He described Kamra’s show as “low-quality comedy” aimed at gaining fame by attacking public figures including the Prime Minister and Chief Justice, and now Eknath Shinde. Fadnavis questioned the opposition’s silence and alleged indirect support.
Fadnavis: “Is This a Political Supari?”
The Chief Minister raised serious allegations, asking whether opposition leaders had commissioned the act:
“Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy is with Eknath Shinde. Those on the opposite bench who support Kamra — have you given a supari (contract) for this stand-up show?”
He added that no one has the right to insult public figures, clarifying that while satire is acceptable, insulting speech will not be tolerated.
“He can write poems or satire, but if he insults us, action will be taken. These things will not be tolerated in Maharashtra,” Fadnavis stated.
He also criticized Kamra for invoking the Indian Constitution in his defence, saying,
“If he had read the Constitution properly, he wouldn’t have committed such atrocities.”
Yuva Sena Members Arrested for Venue Vandalism
Meanwhile, Mumbai Police confirmed the arrest of 11 members of the Yuva Sena, the youth wing of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The arrests were made after the group vandalized the Habitat Comedy venue in protest against Kamra’s remarks.
The incident took place during a live show by comedian Rajat Sood, which was forcefully stopped by the protestors. Police have booked the accused under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Maharashtra Police Act, including provisions for criminal intimidation, rioting, and obstruction of public entertainment.
Opposition Slams Government for Law and Order Breakdown
In response, the Maha Vikas Aghadi opposition alliance criticized the Mahayuti government, calling the incident a failure of law and order in the state. They questioned why peaceful expression through art is being met with aggression and threats.
Opposition leaders also condemned the FIR against Kamra and questioned the government’s priorities, stating that policing comedy shows is not the answer to political criticism.
Background on the Controversy
The uproar began after Kamra released ‘Naya Bharat’ on YouTube, where he made a ‘gaddar’ (traitor) reference aimed at Eknath Shinde, set to a parody of a Bollywood song. The clip gained traction after Sanjay Raut, senior leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), posted it on social media with the caption “Kunal Ka Kamal”.
This led to political escalation, protests, vandalism, and an FIR, placing the spotlight back on the limits of satire in India’s political discourse.
As the row over freedom of expression, satire, and political criticism intensifies, Maharashtra’s ruling coalition has signalled zero tolerance for perceived personal insults. While civil society debates the boundaries of comedic freedom, law enforcement continues to probe the protests and venue vandalism linked to the controversial show.
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