Devendra Fadnavis Slams Kunal Kamra’s ‘Low-Level Comedy,’ Demands Apology; “Legal Boundaries Must Be Respected” says Ajit Pawar

“Low-level comedy,” said Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday reacting strongly to the controversy surrounding comedian Kunal Kamra's alleged remarks about Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Fadnavis stated that while satire is acceptable, it should never cross the line into insulting individuals. He specifically called on Kamra to apologise for his remarks.

The Chief Minister added that freedom of speech should not be “misused”, highlighting that the people of Maharashtra had already decided who the true leader of Shiv Sena is. “In 2024, people decided who is the real Sena leader,” Fadnavis remarked. “Kamra should apologise for his low-level comedy. You can have satire but not insult anyone,” he added.

In addition, Fadnavis condemned Kamra’s alleged comments as “wrong,” stating that such behavior should not be tolerated. “Kamra should be aware of the fact that people of Maharashtra have decided who is gaddar (traitor) and khuddar (self-respecting). It is Shinde ji who is taking Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy forward,” Fadnavis said.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also weighed in on the issue, stressing the importance of respecting legal boundaries. "I have seen that. Nobody should go beyond the law, Constitution, and rules. They should express themselves within their rights,” Pawar stated. He acknowledged that differences in opinion are natural but added that they should not escalate into larger issues.

The controversy has sparked strong reactions from Shiv Sena leaders, with many accusing Kamra of insulting the party and its leadership. Kamra’s remarks reportedly came during a recent show at the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, Mumbai, where he allegedly mocked Shinde by modifying a song from the Bollywood film Dil Toh Pagal Hai. While he did not directly name Shinde, the audience perceived it as a direct critique of the Deputy Chief Minister.

Following the incident, Shiv Sena worker Murji Patel filed a case against Kamra at the MIDC police station, which led to an FIR being registered against the comedian. Patel also demanded an apology from Kamra within two days, warning that failure to comply would result in restrictions on his movements within the state.

The situation further escalated when Shiv Sena workers vandalised the venue of Kamra's show, the Habitat Comedy Club at Hotel UniContinental in Khar. A case was subsequently filed against several Shiv Sena functionaries for their alleged involvement in the damage caused to the comedy club.