Maharashtra CM Fadnavis Demands Kunal Kamra's Apology Over 'Gaddar' Joke On DyCM Shinde: 'Low-Level Comedy'

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has come out firmly in defence of his ally, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, insisting that comedian Kunal Kamra should apologise for comments made about the Shiv Sena leader. These remarks incited party supporters to vandalise a Mumbai studio where the comedy performance was filmed.

The Chief Minister stated that while he has no issue with comedy, disrespecting individuals crosses a line. "Such low-level comedy and disrespecting the Deputy Chief Minister is not right," he remarked.

Responding to Kunal Kamra's "gaddar" (traitor) jibe at Eknath Shinde, Fadnavis retorted, "He should that Maharashtra people showed who is 'gaddar' (traitor) and who is not in the 2024 elections. People have decided to who has the legacy of Bal Thackeray."

Stressing that Kamra should apologise, he added, "You cannot legitimise your fault by showing such Constitution. The Constitution gives us freedom but it is not absolute, you cannot encroach on others' freedom. There are limitations to it."

Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar urged everyone to speak responsibly to avoid police intervention. "No one should go beyond the law and the Constitution. One should speak within limits. Differences of opinion may exist, but care must be taken to ensure that the police department does not have to intervene due to their statements," Pawar told reporters.

Shiv Sena activists went on a rampage yesterday at The Habitat studio in Mumbai, protesting Kamra's remarks from a show recorded about a month ago. Footage showed party workers hurling chairs and smashing cameras, lights, and speakers at the venue.

Kunal Kamra took aim at Eknath Shinde with a satirical rendition of 'Bholi Si Surat', a well-known song from the 1997 hit 'Dil To Pagal Hai'. He labelled the Shiv Sena leader a "gaddar" (traitor), referencing Shinde's 2022 rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray, which toppled Thackeray's government and fractured the party.

Several FIRs have been lodged against the comedian, including one based on a complaint by minister Pratap Sarnaik.

The Habitat, a popular spot for stand-up comedy events, has decided to close temporarily. In a statement on its official Instagram account, the studio announced it would shut down "till we figure out the best way to provide a platform for free expression without putting ourselves and our property in jeopardy".

"We are shocked, worried and extremely broken by the recent acts of vandalism targeting us. Artists are solely responsible for their views and creative choices. We have never been involved in the content performed by any Artist, but the recent events have made us rethink about how we get blamed and targeted every time almost like we are a proxy for the performer," the statement read.

The studio had previously made headlines for hosting the 'India's Got Latent' episode, during which YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia caused a significant stir.

"We are shutting down till we figure out the best way to provide a platform for free expression without putting ourselves and our property in jeopardy. We invite all artists, audience and stakeholders to discuss and share their views freely and request your guidance so that we also respect the performers' rights," the studio added.

The Shiv Sena's actions have drawn flak from its bitter rival, Shiv Sena (UBT), led by Uddhav Thackeray.

MLA Aaditya Thackeray took a swipe at Shinde, saying, "only an insecure coward would react to a song by someone".

He also raised concerns about the state's law and order situation. Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi pointed out that Shinde wasn't explicitly named in Kamra's joke.

"Their vandalism shows that it hurt them and that there is truth in the joke. What kind of intolerance is this? If you don't like something, file a police complaint," she said.

State minister Pratap Sarnaik, who filed a complaint, clarified that while he's a minister and doesn't condone vandalism, "objectionable remarks were made against our leader. If our leader is targeted, we won't spare anyone." He also claimed the studio hosting the event was "illegal".

Shiv Sena leader Milind Deora hit back at the opposition, arguing that mocking Shinde-a "self-made leader"-smacks of "classist arrogance". "India is rejecting entitled monarchs & their bootlicking ecosystem that pretends to champion meritocracy & democracy."