Kunal Kamra row: Eknath Shinde in his first reaction says, ‘Who does he take supari from…?’

Eknath Shinde said that freedom is important in a democracy, but to say wrong things about someone at someone's behest is wrong.

Written by: Nivedita Dash Edited by: Nivedita Dash

Updated: March 25, 2025, 11:48 AM IST

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https://www.india.com/news/india/kunal-kamra-row-eknath-shinde-in-his-first-reaction-says-who-does-he-take-supari-from-to-do-such-things-7707219/ Copy

Eknath Shinde and Kunal Kamra

Standup artist Kunal Kamra has kicked up a major political storm in Maharashtra for taking a jibe at Shiv Sena leader Shinde’s political career in his recent show. Kamra had performed a parody of a popular Hindi song from the film “Dil Toh Pagal Hai,” apparently referring to Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor). He also made jokes about recent political developments in Maharashtra, including the Shiv Sena and NCP splits.

Kamra released a statement on his official social media handle and stated that he would not “apologise” for his act.

ALSO READ: ‘Won’t apologise to Shinde but…’: Kunal Kamra on Eknath Shinde ‘Gaddar’ remark row

Meanwhile, in his first reaction to the ongoing controversy, Shinde said that freedom is important in a democracy, but to say wrong things about someone at someone’s behest is wrong. “Who does he take supari from to do such things? Freedom is important in a democracy, but to say wrong things about someone at someone’s behest… forget about me, what has he said about (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi ji? What has he said about the (former) Chief Justice? about Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman? about Home Minister Amit Shah? about industrialists?”, the deputy CM said.

Maharashtra’s Khar Police has also sent a summon to standup artist Kunal Kamra, asking him to appear before the investigating officer today. As per Mumbai police, Kunal is not in Mumbai right now. MIDC police had registered an FIR against Kunal Kamra for his remarks during a stand-up comedy show, which was transferred to Khar police for further investigation.

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.