Maharashtra government reacts after Kunal Kamra's 'gaddar' jibe at Shinde
What's the story
Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has called for responsible dialogue after Shiv Sena supporters vandalized a Mumbai studio over comedian Kunal Kamra's jokes on Eknath Shinde.
Pawar stressed that "everyone should speak responsibly so that police do not need to intervene."
"No one should go beyond the law and the Constitution," he added.
Similarly, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said there is the right to comedy, but if it is being done to defame someone, it is not right.
Statement
Kamra should apologize: CM Fadnavis
He also said that the people have decided who the traitor is.
"The people showed those who insulted the mandate and ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray their place. Kunal Kamra should apologize. This will not be tolerated," he told the media.
The vandalism took place at Mumbai's Habitat studio, a regular hot spot for stand-up comedy shows. The studio was attacked by Shiv Sena supporters in protest against Kamra's joke, referring to Shinde as a "traitor."
Twitter Post
Kamra has not read the Constitution: Fadnavis
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis says, "There is freedom to do stand-up comedy, but he cannot speak whatever he wants. The people of Maharashtra have decided who the traitor is. Kunal Kamra should apologize. This will not be tolerated. There is the right to comedy, but if it is… pic.twitter.com/g7UVXEyfDC
— ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2025
Incident details
Shiv Sena supporters vandalize Mumbai's Habitat studio
Videos from the scene showed Sena workers damaging cameras, lights, and speakers, as well as swinging chairs inside the studio.
During his performance, Kamra took a swipe at politics in Maharashtra and the election there before singing a parody number from the film Dil To Pagal Hai.
"Thane ki rickshaw, chehre pe daadi, aankho me chashma haaye...ek jhalak dikhlaye kabhi Guwahati me chup jaaye...meri nazar se tum dekho gaddar nazar wo aaye," Kamra sang, without taking names.
Legal action
FIRs filed against Kunal Kamra following studio attack
Several FIRs have been lodged against Kamra after the incident.
The Habitat studio, meanwhile, has decided to temporarily shut down for fear of safety.
In an official Instagram post, The Habitat said it was closing down till it figures out how to provide a platform for free expression without putting its safety and property at risk.
Studio's statement
Habitat studio expresses shock over vandalism
The Habitat said it was "shocked, worried and extremely broken by the recent acts of vandalism targeting us." It added artists are responsible for their views and creativity.
"We have never been involved in the content performed by any artist," it said. However, recent developments made them rethink how they get blamed and targeted every time almost like they are a proxy for performers.