Controversy erupts: Eknath Shinde vs Kunal Kamra satire clash

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has likened comedian Kunal Kamra's jibe at him to taking "supari" (contract) to speak against someone, and said there should be a decorum while making a satire, otherwise the "action causes a reaction".

Freedom of speech is there, but there should be a limit, Shinde said on Monday reacting to Kamra's comments.

The Shiv Sena leader further said he does not focus on who says what as his work speaks for him.

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.

On Sunday night, Shiv Sena members damaged the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai's Khar area, where Kamra's show took place, as well as a hotel in whose premises the club is located.

"Freedom of speech is there. We understand satire. But there should be a limit. This is like taking 'supari' (contract) to speak against someone," Shinde said at a BBC Marathi event.

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.

"I will not speak much on this. I do not justify vandalism," the Dy CM added.

"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.

Kamra has said he will not apologise for his controversial comments about Shinde and criticised the vandalism of the venue in Mumbai where the comedy show was recorded.

Shinde emphasised his commitment to prioritising development and welfare schemes over responding to allegations."Nowadays, I don't reply to allegations. I say my work will be my reply. I've always prioritised work. All the projects like Atal Setu, Coastal Road (both in Mumbai) and Metro projects had stopped abruptly. We restarted them, giving priority to development and welfare schemes," he said.

The deputy CM further highlighted several welfare initiatives, including the 'Ladki Bahin' scheme, the 'Lakhpati Didi' scheme, and the decision to make education free for girls.

The state government has taken many decisions and implemented the necessary government resolutions (GRs), Shinde said."So, I don't focus on who says what; I answer them through my work," he added.