Eknath Shinde slams Kunal Kamra’s statement on ‘inability to take a joke’, says ‘This was like taking Supari’

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde strongly reacted to Kunal Kamra’s comments on Monday, saying that if one does not follow decorum when making jokes, the action would be met with a backlash.  Kunal Kamra said in a statement on Monday that “your inability to take a joke… does not change my rights” and declined to give an apology for his contentious remark on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

On Tuesday reacting to the statement, Shinde said in a BBC Marathi event, “Freedom of speech is there. We understand satire. But there should be a limit. This is like taking ‘supari’ (contract) to speak against someone”

On the Shiv Sainiks vandalising the studio where Kamra had performed and made those remarks, Shinde said the other person should also maintain a certain level.

“Otherwise, action causes reaction,” he said.

“This same person (Kamra) had commented on the Supreme Court of India, the Prime Minister, (journalist) Arnab Goswami and some industrialists. This is not freedom of speech; this is working for someone,” Shinde said.

Kamra issued statement late Monday night, saying “I will not apologise… I don’t fear this mob & I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down,”

“Your inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not change the nature of my right. As far as I know, it is not against the law to poke fun at our leaders and the circus that is our political system. However, I am willing to cooperate with the police and courts for any lawful action taken against me.

He also slammed the Shiv Sena menbers for vandalising Habitat Studio saying, “An entertainment venue is merely a platform. A space for all sorts of shows. Habitat (or any other venue) is not responsible for my comedy, nor does it have any power or control over what I say or do. Neither does any political party. Attacking a venue for a comedian’s words is as senseless as overturning a lorry carrying tomatoes, because you didn’t like the butter chicken you were served”