MUMBAI: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Wednesday expressed his unwavering solidarity with stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra amidst the contentious discourse regarding his observations about deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde and emphatically declared that the artiste would prefer demise over capitulation or trepidation towards the purported intimidation.
“I don’t know who is threatening Kunal Kamra or why. Kunal Kamra is someone I have known for many years. He is not the kind of artist who gets scared of threats. He won’t surrender (Jhukega nahi). He would rather die than bow down or be afraid. Those issuing threats will soon find it difficult to continue their path,” Raut said.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut offered his views regarding Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath’s comments on the Kunal Kamra issue.
The UP chief minister stated that freedom of expression should not be misused to attack others, suggesting legal action against those “who are creating differences in the country.”
To this, Raut said, “I agree with what Yogi Ji said — freedom of speech doesn’t mean people can say just anything. But what did Kamra say? He didn’t mention anyone’s name. He commented on a situation that happened in Maharashtra using satire. I often listen to poets like Kumar Vishwas and Surendra Sharma, and they, too, use satire. Vandalizing property in response to Kamra’s words is not justified.”
The controversy erupted when comedian Kunal Kamra made a contentious ‘gaddar’ remark, reportedly directed at Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
While numerous political figures denounced Kamra’s remarks from his performance and demanded consequences, the comedian responded on Tuesday by releasing a video ridiculing Shiv Sena members who had vandalised The Habitat comedy venue in Mumbai, where he had previously performed.
Earlier on Tuesday, deputy CM Ajit Pawar said, “Our CM Devendra Fadnavis had responded on this issue on behalf of the government. Our CM has said that action will be taken as per the law.”
Devendra Fadnavis expressed firm opposition regarding stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra’s alleged derogatory comments about Eknath Shinde. Speaking at the state Assembly on Monday, he emphasised that the government would not tolerate freedom of expression if it resulted in oppressive behaviour.
The CM said, “We appreciate humour and satire. We accept political satire, but we do not accept freedom of expression if it leads to tyranny.” He stated that Kamra staged “low-quality” comedy.
“This artist makes statements against the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice; he wants to gain fame by creating controversy. He targeted Eknath Shinde and staged a low-quality comedy,” the CM said, adding that the people will decide whether Eknath Shinde is a traitor or a selfish person.
Mumbai Police had previously issued a summons to the stand-up comedian, requesting his presence before the investigating officer on Tuesday.
According to Mumbai police officials, Kamra is currently away from Mumbai. The MIDC police had initially registered a first information report against Kamra regarding comments made during his stand-up comedy performance, which was subsequently transferred to Khar police station for further investigation.