Eknath Shinde condemns vandalism over comedian Kunal Kamra's skit

Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde condemned the recent acts of vandalism by party workers at a Mumbai studio.

The incident was in response to comedian Kunal Kamra's parody song targeting Mr. Shinde. Although Mr. Shinde expressed disapproval of the vandalism, he referenced Isaac Newton's third law of motion, "Every action has a reaction," during his first public response to the ongoing controversy regarding freedom of speech in the state.

The controversy involves a skit by Kunal Kamra at the Mumbai's Habitat studio, where he altered the lyrics of the popular song "Bholi Si Surat" from the 1997 film 'Dil To Pagal Hai' to criticize Mr. Shinde. Kamra called Mr. Shinde a "gaddar" (traitor) referencing the Shiv Sena leader's 2022 rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray, which led to the former Maharashtra government's collapse and the party's split.

In reaction to the performance, multiple FIRs were lodged against Kamra. Despite the legal backlash, the comedian has not apologized, showing willingness to cooperate with police and the courts. Kamra questioned whether the laws would also address those who vandalized the studio and the civic body officials who partially demolished it, citing building violations.

In a BBC Marathi interview, Mr. Shinde questioned Kamra's motivations, alleging he works at others' behests and suggested a possible conspiracy by Opposition parties.

"Freedom is important in a democracy," he conceded; however, he criticized Kamra's past comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Chief Justice, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Home Minister Amit Shah.

Mr. Shinde also referenced Kamra’s public confrontation with journalist Arnab Goswami, labeling the comedian as someone who disrupts societal peace. Addressing the vandalism, Mr. Shinde highlighted emotions running high among party workers but reaffirmed his stance against such destructive actions. "Eknath Shinde is very sensitive. I respond with work and do not support vandalism," he stated.

According to Mr. Shinde, there was an ulterior Opposition "conspiracy" motivating Kamra's remarks. "People have shown the Opposition their place, but they refuse to change," he remarked, suggesting Kamra's actions are part of a larger plot to insult and provoke.

The vandalism, carried out by a group of Sena workers who stormed the Habitat studio and destroyed equipment, prompted the venue's temporary closure.

In their official statement, the studio emphasized its role as a platform for artists while lamenting being caught in the crossfire of blame. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has since acted, citing building violations to justify demolishing parts of the studio.

In the political arena, the Opposition strongly condemned the vandalism, standing by Kunal Kamra. Former Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray supported Kamra's stance, asserting that his commentary was not satire but truth.

"Those who steal are 'gaddar'. There is no 'freedom of expression' when it comes to traitors," Thackeray stated, amplifying the ongoing debate over free speech in Maharashtra.