Mumbai, March 24, 2025 – Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde broke his silence on Monday over the escalating controversy involving comedian Kunal Kamra, whose satirical jibe at him triggered outrage, vandalism, and a political firestorm. Speaking at the Vidhan Bhavan during the budget assembly session, Shinde acknowledged the role of satire but stressed it must have boundaries, igniting a fresh debate on the limits of free expression in India.
The Trigger: A Comedian’s Jab
The row erupted after Kamra, during a stand-up show at Mumbai’s Habitat Studio, parodied Shinde’s 2022 rebellion against Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray. Using the tune of Dil To Pagal Hai, Kamra dubbed Shinde a “gaddar” (traitor), a reference to his defection that split the Shiv Sena and toppled the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. The clip, posted online, went viral, drawing sharp reactions from Shinde’s supporters and the ruling Mahayuti coalition.
Shiv Sena workers, led by Yuva Sena’s Rahool Kanal, retaliated by storming the Khar-based venue on Sunday, vandalizing equipment and halting another comedian’s show. The Mumbai Police responded swiftly, arresting 12 activists and filing an FIR against Kamra under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections for defamation and public mischief. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) also demolished “illegal” portions of the studio, amplifying the fallout.
Shinde’s Measured Response
Addressing the Assembly, Shinde struck a balanced tone. “I understand satire and comedy, but there should be limits,” he said, speaking after a resolution congratulated him for receiving the Adya Jagatguru Shri Sant Tukaram Maharaj Puraskar from the Warkari community. He tied his remarks to his 40-year career, rooted in Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray’s ethos of “80% social work, 20% politics,” subtly defending his legacy against Kamra’s critique.
Shinde avoided directly naming Kamra but underscored his commitment to public service over political squabbles. “I’ve worked for the common man, following Balasaheb’s principles,” he said, sidestepping the “traitor” label while leaving room for his allies to escalate the fight.
Political Fault Lines Exposed
The incident has split Maharashtra’s political landscape. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned Kamra’s remarks as “low-level comedy” unfit for free speech, demanding an apology. “Satire is welcome, but defaming someone under its guise invites action,” he warned, branding Kamra an “urban Naxal” bent on tarnishing respected figures. The state government has since launched a probe into Kamra’s call records and transactions, hinting at a broader crackdown.
The opposition MVA, however, rallied behind Kamra. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant called Shinde’s reaction “intolerant,” while Aaditya Thackeray labeled the vandalism “cowardly.” Congress leader Harshvardhan Sapkal went further, accusing the Mahayuti of turning Maharashtra into a “Taliban-like state” by stifling dissent. Jaya Bachchan, a Samajwadi Party MP, questioned, “Where is freedom of speech?”—a sentiment echoed by many on social media.
Kamra’s Defiance
Kamra, unfazed, refused to back down. In a statement on X, he asserted, “It’s not against the law to poke fun at our leaders,” condemning the mob attack on Habitat Studio as “senseless.” He added, “I won’t apologise or hide under my bed,” citing Ajit Pawar’s past criticism of Shinde as precedent for his satire. Mumbai Police have summoned him via WhatsApp—he’s currently in Tamil Nadu—while an audio of a Sena worker threatening him has gone viral, met with Kamra’s taunting retort: “Come to Tamil Nadu.”
