Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde compared the sarcasm made by comedian Kunal Kamra to speak against someone and said that there should be a courtesy while satirizing, otherwise “reacts to the verb”.
Shinde reacted to Kamra’s comments on Monday, saying that there is freedom of expression, but it should have a limit. The Shiv Sena leader further said that he does not pay attention to who says what his work speaks to him.
The 36-year-old stand-up comedian has created a big political storm in Maharashtra by sarcasm on Shinde’s political career in his show.
Kamra parked a popular Hindi song from the film “Dil To Pagal Hai”, obviously Shinde was called “traitor”. He created jokes on the recent political developments in Maharashtra, including partitions between the Shiv Sena and the NCP.
On Sunday night, members of the Shiv Sena damaged the Habitate Comedy Club located in Khar area of Mumbai, where Kamra’s show took place, as well as damage to the hotel whose club is located in the premises.
Shinde said in the BBC Marathi program, “There is freedom of expression. We understand satire. But it should have a limit. It is like taking betel nut to speak against someone.”
On the comments made by Shiv Sainiks to vandalize the studio and comments made by Kamra, Shinde said that the other person should also maintain a certain level. “Otherwise, the action causes reaction,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister said, “I will not say much on this. I do not justify barbarism.”
Shinde said, “This person (Kamra) had commented on India’s Supreme Court, Prime Minister, (Journalist) Arnab Goswami and some industrialists. It is not freedom of expression; it is to work for someone.”
Kamra has said that he would not apologize for his controversial remarks about Shinde and criticized the sabotage at Mumbai where the comedy show was recorded.
Shinde emphasized his commitment to development and priority to welfare schemes, rather than responding to the allegations.
He said, “Nowadays I do not respond to the allegations. I say my work will be my answer. I have always given priority to work. All projects like Atal Setu, Costal Road (in Mumbai) and Metro Projects were suddenly closed. We started them again by giving priority to development and welfare schemes.”
The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted several welfare initiatives, including the ‘Girl Bahin’ scheme, ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme and the decision to make education for girls free. Shinde said that the state government has taken several decisions and implemented the necessary government resolutions (GR).
He said, “So I do not pay attention to who says what; I answer them through my work.”
