Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 24 : The sketch stand-up by Kunal Kamra where he allegedly made disparaging remarks about Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde has now snowballed into a political controversy.
NCP-SCP MLA Rohit Pawar, reacting to the Kunal Kamra's comments on Monday, stated that Freedom of Expression no longer exists while asserting that a satirical remark about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde will not diminish his stature.
Speaking to ANI, Pawar emphasized that since Freedom of Expression is no longer upheld, all artists should exercise caution. He further stated that satirical remarks had been a strength for several prominent leaders, including Balasaheb Thackeray.
"Such satirical remarks were a strength for several tall leaders, like Balasaheb Thackeray. Eknath Shinde is his worker. In 2003, such remarks were made on Chhagan Bhujbal, who is now in Mahayuti. At that time, his workers vandalized an office. Taking responsibility for it, Chhagan Bhujbal had resigned," Rohit Pawar said.
"When Rahul Gandhi was asked about a petty comment on Rajiv Gandhi in a series, he said that Rajiv Gandhi's significance will not diminish if someone says something like that. So, every artist has Freedom of Expression but I would like to tell them that this is not the pre-2014 era. Here, Freedom of Expression does not exist anymore. So, all artists should be careful. Eknath Shinde is a tall leader; if someone makes a satirical remark about him, his stature won't diminish. I think leaders should also impart some wisdom to their workers," he added.
Reacting to the incident, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP chief Ajit pawar said, "I have said that no one should go beyond the law, Constitution, and rules. One should speak within their rights. Differences may exist, but it should be ensured that when they are speaking, the police do not have to take action."
Earlier, Minister of State for home Yogesh Ramdas Kadam on Monday stated that while the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, it does not grant the right to insult those holding constitutional positions.
"The Constitution has provided freedom of speech. It doesn't give you the right to insult those occupying Constitutional positions," Maharashtra MoS Home said.
An FIR has been registered against both Kunal Kamra and the Shiv Sena's youth wings which had vandalised the club where the sketch stand-up was performed by Kamra.
According to Sub inspector Vijay of Khar police station, the Shinde Sena's youth faction entered the venue while a live show of standup comedian Rajat Sood was going on, forced the show to be closed down and vandalized the set.