UP CM Yogi Adityanath has asserted that “freedom of expression isn’t birthright” and should not be misused for “personal attacks” on others. He also called for strict legal action against those who attempt to “widen societal divides” and threaten harmony. Adityanath made these remarks in a podcast interview with ANI’s Smita Prakash when asked about his views on comedian Kunal Kamra’s “gaddar” jibe at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
“Freedom of expression must remain within the bounds of the law and constitutional values. It is only within these limits that true freedom of expression exists. Freedom of expression cannot be used as a means to launch personal attacks on others,” said UP CM Adityanath.
He added, “It is unfortunate that some people have come to see freedom of expression as their birthright to disgrace the nation and widen the divide in society.”
“Strict legal action must be taken against those who seek to create divisions in society and endanger harmony,” he further stated.
The comedian has so far received at least 500 threatening calls from the Shiv Sena Shinde faction, NDTV reported citing sources. The outlet further stated that people have threatened to not only kill him but also cut him into odd pieces.
A fresh FIR has been filed against Kunal Kamra for his veiled swipe at the Maharashtra Deputy CM. The Mumbai Police has also rejected the comedian’s request for a week’s time to appear before the authorities, as per reports.
Kunal Kamra vs Eknath Shinde
During his performance at Mumbai’s Habitat, Kamra indirectly referred to Shinde as a turncoat and a traitor without naming him explicitly. He hinted to a political leader who is from Thane and “hides in Guwahati”. He later said that he could be found in Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s lap.
“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.
Eknath Shinde on Kunal Kamra’s ‘gaddar’ swipe at him
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.
“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.