Kunal Kamra row: Maharashtra Congress chief likens Mahayuti to 'Taliban'
What's the story
Maharashtra Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal has made a controversial comparison between the state's ruling party and the Taliban.
The statement comes amid a heated debate surrounding comedian Kunal Kamra's recent comments about Eknath Shinde, the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Shiv Sena chief.
The controversy escalated when Shiv Sena workers allegedly vandalized Mumbai's Habitat studio in retaliation to Kamra's remarks.
Criticism
Sapkal questions ruling party's faith in government
Sapkal has condemned the attackers, saying their actions only go on to show they don't trust their own government, Constitution, law, and Home Department.
Why take matters into their hands when Kamra didn't even name Shinde in his comments, he wondered.
"This is not just about freedom of expression but also about how people must live in a democracy," he said.
Cultural hub
Habitat studio: Haven for diverse cultural expressions
Sapkal insisted that the Habitat studio where Kamra performed is not the comedian's property.
The studio has hosted various cultural programs and welcomed people from all ideologies.
He also disclosed that BJP minister Ashish Shelar was also honored at an event held there.
"Does the ruling alliance plan to turn Maharashtra into a Taliban-like state," he asked.
Response
Sapkal condemns attack on Habitat studio
Sapkal condemned the attack on Habitat studio, calling it an attack on the property of a freedom fighter.
He questioned CM Devendra Fadnavis's statement on Nagpur violence when he said, "The bulldozer will roll when necessary," asking if the same would happen to Shinde's workers who vandalized the studio.
The studio in question is located at the Unicontinental Mumbai in Khar West.
Selective enforcement
Allegations of selective enforcement in Maharashtra
Sapkal has also drawn attention to the selective nature of the state's response to violence.
He quoted Nagpur violence mastermind Fahim Khan's house being razed after the riots and wondered if the same fate awaited Minister Nitesh Rane for his incendiary remarks.
"Since Minister Nitesh Rane from Fadnavis' cabinet has made provocative and inflammatory statements, will Fadnavis order a bulldozer on Nitesh Rane's house as well," he asked.