‘This Won’t Be Tolerated’: Fadnavis Slams Kunal Kamra, Demands Apology

Maha CM says Kamra misused freedom of speech, defamed Dy CM Eknath Shinde

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has strongly condemned comedian Kunal Kamra’s controversial remark calling Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde a ‘traitor.’ Addressing the media on Monday, Fadnavis accused Kamra of misusing his freedom as a stand-up comedian and asserted that such comments would not be tolerated. He also demanded a public apology from the comedian.

“There is freedom to do stand-up comedy, but that does not mean one can say anything. The people of Maharashtra have already decided who the real traitor is. Kunal Kamra must apologise—this won’t be tolerated. While humour is allowed, using it as a tool to defame our Deputy Chief Minister is unacceptable,” Fadnavis stated.

Referring to Kamra’s social media post featuring the red Constitution book, Fadnavis remarked, “He is flaunting the same book that Rahul Gandhi once showed, but neither of them has actually read it. The Constitution grants freedom of speech, but that freedom has its limits. The people of Maharashtra made their choice in the 2024 Assembly elections, and those who betrayed Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology were shown their place by voters. Comedy is welcome, but free speech does not justify derogatory statements.”

The controversy erupted after Kamra’s remarks about Shinde went viral, sparking protests from Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) supporters, leading to vandalism at The Habitat Comedy Club in Khar.