Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde (L) & Comedian Kunal Kamra (R) | File Pic & X (@kunalkamra88)
Mumbai: Responding to stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra’s satirical remarks, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said on Tuesday that he is a sensitive person but has a high tolerance for criticism. “My focus remains on governance and delivering justice to the people, which is why we have achieved great success,” he added.
In an interview with a Marathi news website, Shinde likened Kamra’s comments to taking a ‘supari’ (contract) to target someone. He emphasised the need for decorum in satire, cautioning that “every action invites a reaction.”
Shinde further asserted that he typically ignores allegations. “Since our government was formed three years ago, people have been making accusations. I’ve always maintained that I’ll respond through my work, not words. If I react to every allegation, my focus will shift. Instead, we’ve answered criticism with performance, which is why the public re-elected us. Out of 80 seats, we won 60, while Thackeray’s Shiv Sena secured only 20,” he said.
“Freedom of speech is important, but misusing it for targeted mockery is wrong. This is a form of intellectual dishonesty. Kamra has previously made statements about the Supreme Court, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Arnab Goswami and industrialists. This is not free speech; these are baseless accusations,” he added.
When questioned about recent vandalism by his party workers, Shinde condemned the acts but reiterated that provocation plays a role. “I don’t support violence, but one must understand the level of provocation. Every action has a reaction,” he stated.
Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske alleged that Kamra had been paid to make controversial statements to divert public attention from the Disha Salian death case. The MP also criticised Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MP Sanjay Raut, accusing them of supporting individuals like Kamra.
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale condemned Kamra’s remarks, stating that the comedian had spoken against the law and attempted to insult a leader. “He should not insult anyone. He should apologise. Legal action should be taken against him,” Athawale asserted.
Adding to the controversy, actor and MP Kangana Ranaut weighed in, criticising what she called ‘comedy in bad taste.’ “But what are Kamra’s credentials? Who are these people who haven’t achieved anything in life? Abusing in the name of comedy, mocking our scriptures, making fun of people, mothers and sisters – this is not right,” Ranaut remarked.
