Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has likened comedian Kunal Kamra's remarks against him to accepting a "supari" (contract) to attack someone, emphasizing that freedom of speech is fine but there must be a limit.
Shinde, responding to Kamra's recent taunt at a stand-up comedy show, said, "Freedom of speech is there, but there should be a limit. This is like taking a supari to speak against a person."
The furore started when Kamra created a spoof of one of the most popular Hindi songs from Dil Toh Pagal Hai, seemingly taunting Shinde as a "gaddar" (traitor) over his political switching sides. Kamra also made light of recent Maharashtra politics, including the splits within the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
In the wake of Kamra's statement, Shiv Sena activists broke into the Habitat Comedy Club, where the show was shot, and the hotel where the venue was located. Shinde, speaking about the matter at a BBC Marathi function, reminded that satire and jokes are alright, but some decorum should be maintained. He cautioned, "Action causes reaction," that indecent conduct may invite reprisal.
The Deputy Chief Minister also referred to Kamra's previous controversial statements regarding the Supreme Court, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other government officials, implying that Kamra's statements were not only about freedom of speech but influenced by an agenda. "This is not freedom of speech; this is working for someone," Shinde said.
Kamra, however, has not apologized for his statement and condemned the act of vandalism at the comedy club. The Mumbai Police have also served a notice on Kamra, asking him to report to the Khar police station for questioning regarding an FIR that he has been accused of filing against Shinde for allegedly defaming him.
Furthermore, following a complaint filed by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel, an FIR has also been filed against 40 Shiv Sena workers who caused damage to the venue. The police on Monday arrested Shiv Sena functionary Rahul Kanal and 11 others regarding the incident, although they were released on bail the same day.
Read also| Rajeev Chandrasekhar Declares ‘Viksit Keralam’ Mission After Becoming BJP Chief in Kerala
Read also| Hindu a nationalist expression than just a religion, says RSS
