Eknath Shinde slams Kunal Kamra’s statement on ‘inability to take a joke’, says ‘This was like taking Supari’ | Mint

In a strong reaction to Kunal Kamra‘s Monday’s statement, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, said a decorum should be maintained while taking jibes, otherwise the action causes a reaction.

Kunal Kamra has refused to apologise for his controversial comment on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and issued a statement on Monday saying ‘your inability to take a joke… does not change my rights.’

What Eknath Shinde said?

On Tuesday reacting to the statement, Shinde said in a BBC Marathi event, “Freedom of speech is there. We understand satire. But there should be a limit. This is like taking ‘supari’ (contract) to speak against someone”

On the Shiv Sainiks vandalising the studio where Kamra had performed and made those remarks, Shinde said the other person should also maintain a certain level.

“Otherwise, action causes reaction,” he said.

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

What Kamra said in his statement

Kamra issued statement late Monday night, saying “I will not apologise… I don’t fear this mob & I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down,”

“Your inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not change the nature of my right. As far as I know, it is not against the law to poke fun at our leaders and the circus that is our political system. However, I am willing to cooperate with the police and courts for any lawful action taken against me.

He also slammed the Shiv Sena menbers for vandalising Habitat Studio saying, “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. Attacking a venue for a comedian’s words is as senseless as overturning a lorry carrying tomatoes, because you didn’t like the butter chicken you were served”

Maharashtra ministers slams Kamra

Kunal Kamra refusal to apologise for his ‘gaddar’ comments for Shinde received storng reaction from Maharashtra ministers.

MoS Home Yogesh Ramdas Kadam stated, “He will be punished. If you are going to insult the Supreme Court, PM of India, Hindu Gods and Goddesses, it is not tolerable. You cannot behave like this in Maharashtra or India… We do enjoy comedy, but this is not the kind of comedy that will be tolerated in Maharashtra.”

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Minister Gulab Raghunath Patil also expressed strong disapproval of Kamra’s actions. Patil warned, “If he doesn’t apologize, we will speak to him in our own style… Shiv Sena won’t leave him… we won’t tolerate this insult… if he doesn’t apologize, he will come out, where will he hide?… Shiv Sena will show its real form.”

The 36-year-old stand-up comedian has kicked up a major political storm in Maharashtra for taking a jibe at Shinde’s political career in his show.

Kamra had performed a parody of a popular Hindi song from the film “Dil Toh Pagal Hai,” apparently referring to Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor). He also made jokes about recent political developments in Maharashtra, including the Shiv Sena and NCP splits.