Jaya Bachchan questions 'freedom of speech' amid Kunal Kamra's controversy
What's the story
Samajwadi Party MP and veteran actor Jaya Bachchan has publicly defended stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra amid the raging row over his latest comments.
At the Parliament premises, Bachchan expressed her apprehension over the growing curbs on freedom of expression in India.
According to NDTV, she slammed the current state of affairs saying, "There is freedom of action only when there is a ruckus - beat up the opposition, commit crimes against women, murder people. What else?"
Venue vandalism
Bachchan condemned vandalism at Kamra's show venue
Bachchan also condemned the vandalism of Habitat Comedy Club, where Kamra's show was filmed.
She questioned, "If there is a restriction on speaking, what will become of you? You are anyway in a bad situation. There are restrictions on you. You would be told to speak only on certain topics and not ask certain questions. Where is freedom of speech?"
Her comments come after Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) youth wing members vandalized the show venue.
Incident details
Kamra's remarks led to controversy and vandalism
The controversy started after Kamra made remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on his show.
Thereafter, Shinde's youth wing stormed the Habitat Comedy Club, ended another show that was ongoing, and vandalized the set.
Khar Police Sub-Inspector Vijay said the attack was triggered after Kamra's Naya Bharat special was released.
FIRs have been filed against both Kamra for his remarks and the youth wing members for vandalism.
Political divide
'Kunal Kamra should apologize': Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis
According to The Indian Express, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis slammed Kamra's remarks, and said, "There is freedom to do stand-up comedy, but he cannot speak whatever he wants... Kunal Kamra should apologize. This will not be tolerated."
On the other hand, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut supported Kamra, denouncing Sena workers' vandalism as "hooliganism."
"I believe that there is a freedom of speech... this is hooliganism."
Meanwhile, Kamra stood by his comments while speaking to cops.