Eknath Shinde reacts to Kunal Kamra’s remarks against him

Shinde defends the vandalism of the studio where Kamra’s gig happened and says, “There should be limits.”

Eknath Shinde, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, has broken silence on the remarks made by comedian Kunal Kamra against him. The comedian’s alleged joke led to the Shinde-led Shiv Sena vandalising the studio that hosted the comedian’s gig in Khar.

Eknath Shinde reacts to remarks by comedian Kunal Kamra.

Eknath Shinde broke his silence on the row over Kunal Kamra’s alleged joke on him. In his first statement on the row, Eknath Shinde said, “Freedom of speech is there, and we understand satire, but there should be a limit.” The comedian courted a massive controversy on Sunday after allegedly making a “gaddar” (traitor) joke on Shiv Sena Chief Eknath Shinde. Kamra had seemingly mocked Shinde without taking any names by modifying a song from the Hindi movie “Dil Toh Pagal Hai.” Shiv Sena leaders heavily criticised Kamra for his remarks, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urging Kamra to apologise for his “low-level comedy.”

Eknath Shinde thinks Kunal Kamra works for someone.

Shinde said the comedian’s alleged joke on him is “like taking a ‘supari’ (contract) to speak against someone.” He took a dig at Kamra and said that the same person had made comments on the Prime Minister, the Supreme Court of India, journalist Arnab Goswami and some other industrialists. “This is not freedom of speech; this is working for someone.” Shinde quipped.

Shiv Sena workers stormed the Habitat Comedy Club, which hosted Kunal Kamra’s show and vandalised it. Mumbai Police later detained and arrested several party leaders for the damage caused to the venue.