Kunal Kamra should apologise, action to be taken as per law, Says CM Devendra Fadnavis

On Monday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra for his remarks against Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. He said that those who give false information and defame others for their personal interests would be dealt with according to the law.

"Poetry and satire are most welcome. But those who spread lies and defame others for personal gains will invite action," Fadnavis said.

This was said after Kamra posted a video of his stand-up performance in which he taunted Shinde. On the same day, the Mumbai police registered a defamation case against Kamra and arrested 12 Shiv Sena workers who had damaged the Habitat studio at Khar, where Kamra had performed. The Sena workers, who were arrested, were later released on bail by the Bandra Magistrate Court.

Kamra's comments sparked a political storm in Maharashtra, with ruling Mahayuti coalition leaders demanding action against him, while the opposition MVA rallied to his support.

Addressing the media outside the Assembly on Monday, Fadnavis stated, "This is wrong. You can do satire and comedy, but insulting people will not be tolerated. Freedom of expression should not result in reckless behavior. Kamra needs to apologize for his actions. Legal action will be initiated against him."

When Shiv Sena MLA Arjun Khotkar brought the issue to the notice and ruling party members protested in the Assembly calling for action against Kamra, Fadnavis reiterated, "This is a serious matter. We are not against freedom of speech. We welcome satire and political commentary. But we will not accept anarchy." Khotkar also demanded that Kamra be arrested, alleging that his remarks about Hindu gods could provoke violence. "He should be arrested.". His comments about the Supreme Court and other matters must be probed, such as his phone records and expenditure," he added. Shiv Sena and BJP members then held a protest in front of the Speaker's podium.

The Speaker briefly adjourned the House since the protest was ongoing. As soon as the session resumed, Fadnavis commented: "Kamra has earlier targeted the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice, and the judiciary.". He lives on generating controversy for publicity. Here, he aimed at former CM Eknath Shinde with low-grade comedy. The people of Maharashtra will determine who is a 'gaddar' (traitor) and who is 'khuddar' (self-respecting). They have already decided who actually embodies Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology. Is Kamra greater than the people of Maharashtra?

Fadnavis also targeted the opposition for backing Kamra, stating, "Did you provide Kamra with a contract? He uploaded a picture with the Constitution, which Rahul Gandhi also uses, but the Constitution never provides anyone with the right to insult others. We will act in such situations."

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, during the day, called for responsible words to prevent police action. "No one should cross the law or the Constitution. It is natural to have differences of opinion, but words should not compel the police to intervene," Pawar said.

Shinde Sena MP Milind Deora used X to denounce "elitist and classist people pretending to be comedians" who had to be brought to book.

Simultaneously, the opposition criticized the state government's move against Kamra and the destruction of the Habitat studio by Shiv Sena activists. "The ruling camp has to be prepared to face criticism. Are they attempting to govern the state in a dictatorial fashion? While insulters of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj are not touched, comedians are under the radar for criticizing ministers," said Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar.

Sena UBT chief and former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray was in support of Kamra, saying, "I support Kunal Kamra. I don't think he said anything incorrect. It's not insulting anybody to call a 'traitor' a 'traitor'."

The legislative council was also adjourned earlier in the day after Sena UBT leader and Leader of Opposition Ambadas Danve raised the issue of the Habitat studio vandalism. Reacting to Fadnavis’s demand for Kamra’s apology, Danve asked, “Why should he apologize? He spoke the truth, something we’ve been saying every day.” Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut questioned the legal proceedings against Kamra, expressing the view that if such proceedings were initiated, all MLAs and MPs speaking against the government should also be booked. He further stated, "It's evident that they are targeting helpless people like journalists, artists, and poets who are telling the truth."