Mumbai: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday, has reacted to the controversy surrounding comedian Kunal Kamra’s remarks, where the comedian reportedly referred to him as a “gaddar” (traitor) during his stand-up show Naya Bharat.  

Addressing the issue, Shinde acknowledged the importance of freedom of speech but emphasised that there should be a boundary to such expressions.  

"Freedom of speech exists; we understand satire, but there should be a limit," 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 added.

Reaction to vandalism 

Shinde also distanced himself from the vandalism at Mumbai’s Habitat Studio by Shiv Sena workers, who protested against Kamra’s remarks. However, he referenced Isaac Newton’s third law, saying, “Every action has a reaction.” 

Defending the party workers’ actions, he added, “The other person should also maintain a certain level, otherwise, action causes reaction.”

He further likened Kamra’s performance to "taking a supari (contract) to speak against someone."  

This marks his first direct statement on the controversy, which has led to a major political dispute in Maharashtra and reignited discussions on freedom of expression.

Comedian faces legal action 

Kamra’s stand-up routine, performed at Habitat Studio in Mumbai’s Khar last month, featured a parody of the song 'Bholi Si Surat' from the 1997 film 'Dil To Pagal Hai'. In it, he used the "gaddar" jibe against Shinde, referencing his 2022 rebellion that led to the downfall of Uddhav Thackeray’s government and the split in Shiv Sena.  

Following this, multiple FIRs were registered against Kamra. The first complaint was filed by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel, leading to charges under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including 353(1)(b) – Statements inciting public mischief, 353(2) – Defamation and 356(2) – Other related offences. 

The MIDC police station initially registered the case as a Zero FIR, later transferring it to Khar police station.  

Despite the legal action, Kamra has refused to apologise, stating that he is willing to cooperate with the police and judiciary. He also questioned whether the law would apply equally to those involved in vandalising the studio and the civic officials who later demolished parts of it.  

Attack on Habitat Studio 

On Sunday night, a group of Shiv Sena workers entered the Habitat Studio in Mumbai’s Khar, damaging equipment in protest against Kamra’s performance.  

The studio, a well-known venue for stand-up comedy, later announced that it would shut down temporarily. In a statement, it said, “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 recent events have made us rethink how we get blamed and targeted, almost as if we are a proxy for the performer.”  

Following the vandalism, officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) visited the studio with hammers and demolished parts of the venue, citing violations of building regulations.  

(Agency inputs)