Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has compared comedian Kunal Kamra’s jibe at him to taking a “supari” (contract) to speak against someone and warned that action leads to reaction. Speaking at a BBC Marathi event, Shinde emphasized that while freedom of speech exists, it must have boundaries, and satire should be respectful.
Kunal Kamra stirred controversy with a parody performance of a song from Dil Toh Pagal Hai, labeling Shinde a “gaddar” (traitor) and mocking Maharashtra’s recent political turbulence, including the splits in the Shiv Sena and NCP.
In response, enraged Shiv Sena members vandalized the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai’s Khar area, where Kamra’s show was staged, and also damaged property at a nearby hotel.
Shinde defended the Shiv Sainiks’ reaction, saying, “The other person should also maintain limits; otherwise, action causes reaction.” He accused Kamra of having a pattern of targeting prominent figures, stating, “This same person has commented on the Supreme Court, the Prime Minister, Arnab Goswami, and industrialists. This is not free speech; it’s acting on someone’s behalf.”
Despite the backlash and damage to the venue, Kamra has refused to apologize, standing by his remarks and condemning the vandalism.
