Uddhav Thackeray Supports Kunal Kamra Amid ‘Gaddar’ Remark Controversy

Kunal Kamra ‘gaddar’ remark controversy: Chief of Uddhav Thackeray-Shiv Sena (UBT) has thrown his weight behind stand up artist Kunal Kamra amid the controversy over the remarks made by the former, stating that such statements made by Kunal are "true" and in sync with the public.

The Thackeray said that calling a 'gaddar' a 'gaddar' was not an attack on anyone.

I don't think Kunal Kamra said anything wrong. Calling a 'gaddar' a 'gaddar' is not an attack on anyone. Kunal Kamra has said the truth; he has expressed what people feel," Thackeray said while addressing the media.

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Defending Kunal Kamra's freedom of expression, Thackeray added, "He has said the truth, so there is no question of infringement of freedom of expression. Hear the full song (from Kunal Kamra's show) and make others hear it too."

He sharply criticised the rival Shiv Sena faction, saying, "Eliminate Satyamev Jayate and make Gaddamev Jayate."

The UBT Sena Chief further stated that his unit of the Shiv Sena has nothing to do with the vandalism that happened at Habitat Comedy Club, saying that it is done by "Gaddar Sena."

"Shiv Sena (UBT) has nothing to do with this attack; this has been done by 'gaddar sena.' Those who have 'gaddari' in their blood can never be a Shiv Sainik," he said.

Earlier on Sunday night, workers from the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) vandalized a venue in Mumbai after Kamra's stand-up special, which allegedly included some disparaging remarks against Eknath Shinde, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis slammed Kunal Kamra's remarks against Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, stating that such acts can't be justified as "freedom of speech."/p>

"There is freedom to do stand-up comedy, but he cannot speak whatever he wants. The people of Maharashtra have decided who the traitor is. Kunal Kamra should apologise. This will not be tolerated," he asserted.

Fadnavis regarded it as a deliberate attempt on part of Kamra to defame Shinde, stating, "There is the right to comedy, but if it is being done to defame our Deputy CM Eknath Shinde purposely, it is not right."

With regard to the comments of stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel has lodged an FIR and sought an apology from Kamra in two days, failing which he will not be free to move in Mumbai.

An FIR has also been registered against the General Secretary of Shiv Sena Yuva Sena (Shinde Faction) Rahool Kanal and 19 others for allegedly vandalising The Habitat standup comedy set in Mumbai. 11 people have been arrested in this case.

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