Speaking in the state assembly, Fadnavis accused Kamra of deliberately making controversial statements for publicity and demanded an apology for his remarks against Shinde.
“Publicity through controversy”: Fadnavis
Addressing the assembly after the issue was raised, Fadnavis said, “His modus operandi is to create controversy for publicity.” He further noted that Kamra had previously made disparaging comments about the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice of India, and the judiciary.
The controversy stemmed from Kamra’s performance at the Habitat Studio in Unicontinental Hotel, Khar, Mumbai, where he allegedly called Shinde a “traitor” and performed a parody song referencing Shinde’s 2022 rebellion against then-party leader Uddhav Thackeray.
Read more: Mumbai Police summons Kunal Kamra; Eknath Shinde says action causes reaction
Fadnavis defends Shinde, criticises opposition
Backing Shinde, Fadnavis asserted that the people of Maharashtra had already made their stance clear in the 2024 assembly elections. “The people of Maharashtra have shown through their mandate who is ‘khuddar’ (self-respecting) and who is ‘gaddar’ (traitor),” he said.
He also questioned Kamra’s political alignment, asking, “Is Kamra bigger than the people of Maharashtra?” and accused the opposition of supporting him. Fadnavis pointed out that Kamra had shared a photo of himself holding a red copy of the Constitution, a book often carried by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Fadnavis warns against defamatory speech
Emphasising that stand-up comedy and satire were acceptable, Fadnavis warned that insults against public figures under the guise of free speech would not be tolerated.
“When you attack the freedom of others, your own freedom gets restricted. If you insult people in constitutional positions and create disturbances for publicity, it will not be tolerated,” he said.
Read more: Kunal Kamra refuses to apologise for ‘traitor’ remark on Eknath Shinde, questions vandalism on venue
He added, “No one objects to stand-up comedy and satire, but reckless misuse of freedom of speech will not be accepted. Strict action will be taken as per the law,” PTI reported.
Assembly uproar over Kamra’s remarks
The assembly witnessed heated debates as ruling Shiv Sena members demanded strict action against Kamra. Shiv Sena MLA Arjun Khotkar raised the issue, calling for strong measures against the comedian.
Minister Shambhuraj Desai and other ruling party members supported Khotkar and raised slogans in the assembly, prompting Speaker Rahul Narwekar to briefly adjourn the session.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also weighed in, stating that no one should act beyond the law. “No one should violate the law and Constitution. Differences in ideology are natural, but statements must remain within legal boundaries. Remarks should not create new issues or law and order problems,” he said.
Read more: Kunal Kamra controversy: Mumbai Police registers FIRs, CM Fadnavis slams comedian’s remarks on his deputy
Actor and BJP MP from Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi, Kangana Ranaut, on Tuesday, March 25, said that disgracing someone in the name of comedy is not right.
“Who are these people who haven’t done anything in life? If they can write, I’d say write literature or comedy scenes in films. Abusing in the name of comedy, mocking our scriptures in the name of comedy, making fun of people, mothers and sisters (is not right),” Ranaut said, reported PTI.
Opposition leaders back Kamra
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray defended Kamra, saying he did not find anything wrong with his remarks and blamed the vandalism attacks on Shinde’s faction.
“I don’t think Kunal Kamra said anything wrong. Calling a ‘gaddar’ (traitor) a ‘gaddar’ is not an attack on anyone. Listen to the full song from Kamra’s show and let others hear it too. Shiv Sena has nothing to do with the vandalism—it was carried out by the ‘gaddar sena’ (traitor party). Those who have betrayal in their blood can never be Shiv Sainiks,” Thackeray told reporters.
Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan also criticised Shinde, questioning whether his defection from the party was not itself an insult to Balasaheb Thackeray.
“If action is being taken over mere words, where is freedom of speech? Freedom of action exists only when there’s hooliganism or crimes against women, but not otherwise. When the Shiv Sena (referring to the Shinde faction) left its original party, was that not an insult to Balasaheb Thackeray?” she asked.
(With agency inputs)
