Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde responded to comedian Kunal Kamra’s musical satire, in which he referred to Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor) without naming him. Not just this, he also condemned the vandalism of the venue, The Habitat, where the comedian recorded his show.
Speaking to a Marathi news channel, Shinde accused the comedian of “speaking on behalf of someone with an agenda”. “Freedom of expression is important, but it should not be misused. Many writers engage in satire, but what happened today was an act of immorality, licentious behaviour, and a hit job done for money,” Shinde said.
Shinde also criticised Kamra, alleging that he has a history of targeting key figures in the country. “This same person has previously spoken against the Chief Justice, the Prime Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, and leading industrialists of this nation. He has clashed with journalists and has even been banned by airlines. This is not freedom of expression. It is speaking on behalf of someone with an agenda. I haven’t commented on this issue all day, and I won’t,” he added.
While condemning the vandalism at The Habitat, Shinde clarified that he does not endorse such actions by his supporters.
“However, when making accusations, one must at least consider the level to which they are stooping. Every action has a reaction. I have immense patience and never react to anyone. Focusing on work and delivering justice to the people – this is what has led us to remarkable success,” he added.
Kunal Kamra on Eknath Shinde: What did the comedian say during the show?
“What they did in the Maharashtra elections…. Shiv Sena left BJP, then Shiv Sena left Shiv Sena. NCP left NCP. They gave one voter nine buttons. Everyone got confused. One clever man did this. He comes from a very prominent district in Mumbai – Thane,” Kamra said during the show.
He then went on to sing the parody of the song: “Thane ki rickshaw, chehre pe daadhi, ankhon pe chashma, haye! Thane ki rickshaw, chehre pe daadhi, ankhon pe chashma, haye! Ek jhalak dikhlaye kabhi Guwahati mein chup jaaye. Meri nazar se tum dekho, gaddar nazar wo aye. Thane ki rickshaw, chehre pe daadhi, ankhon pe chashma, haye!”
“Mantri nahi wo dalbadlu hai, aur kaha kya jaye? Jis thali me khaaye, usme hi wo ched kar jaye. Mantralay se zyada, Fadnavis ki godi me mil jaye. Teer kaman mila hai isko, baap mera yeh chahe. Thane ki rickshaw, chehre pe daadhi, ankhon pe chashma, haye!” he added.
The song was met with laughter from the audience but not from Sena workers. They first stormed the venue, vandalised it before heading to Khare Police Station to file a complaint. An FIR has been filed against Kamra and Sena workers who vandalised the venue.