Amid a row over stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, who has been in the eye of the storm for his remarks at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar stated Tuesday that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said that action will be taken as per the law.
“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,” Mr Pawar told reporters while explaining the stand of the Maharashtra government on the matter.
CM Fadnavis has taken a strong stand on the alleged disparaging remarks made by stand-up artist Kunal Kamra against Eknath Shinde. The Chief Minister while speaking in the state Assembly on Monday stated that the government would not accept freedom of expression if it leads to tyranny.
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,” adding that the people will decide whether Eknath Shinde is a traitor or a selfish person.
Further referring to Eknath Shinde as the heir to Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy, he questioned the opposition, asking whether they had given a “supari” for the stand-up show.