Eknath Shinde Reacts to Kunal Kamra Row: ‘Understand Satire, But There Are Limits

Eknath Shinde Reacts to Kunal Kamra Row: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday said there should be a limit to any satire, and said decorum should be maintained while taking jibes, otherwise the action causes a reaction.

"Freedom of speech is there and we understand satire, but there should be a limit," Shinde said in his first statement on the row.

“This is like taking ‘supari‘ (contract) to speak against someone," he said at a BBC Marathi event.

“The other person should also maintain a certain level, otherwise, action causes a reaction," he added.

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“This same person (Kamra) had commented on the Supreme Court of India, the Prime Minister, and some industrialists. This is not freedom of speech, this is working for someone," Shinde said.

The 36-year-old stand-up comedian has triggered a major political storm in Maharashtra with his controversial comments during a recent comedy show. Kamra performed a parody of a popular Hindi song from the film Dil Toh Pagal Hai, reportedly referring to Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor).

He also took shots at recent political developments in Maharashtra, including the Shiv Sena and NCP splits. Kamra’s remarks quickly went viral, drawing sharp criticism from Shiv Sena leaders.

Despite demands from several Shiv Sena and Mahayuti leaders for an apology over his alleged disrespect towards Shinde, Kunal Kamra stood his ground, declaring he would not bow to mob pressure.

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"I will not apologise... I don't fear this mob & I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down," Kamra wrote and added that his statement was exactly what "Mr. Ajit Pawar (1st deputy CM) said about Mr. Eknath Shinde (2nd Deputy CM)".

Kamra called the vandalism 'senseless', comparing it to the absurdity of overturning a lorry full of tomatoes simply because you disliked the butter chicken on your plate.

"To the Mob That Decided That Habitat Should Not Stand: An entertainment venue is merely a platform. A space for all sorts of shows. Habitat (or any other venue) is not responsible for my comedy, nor does it have any power or control over what I say or do. Neither does any political party," the comedian said.

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