Synopsis
On March 24, Maharashtra Congress condemned the state government after Shiv Sena activists vandalized a studio following Kunal Kamra's remarks about Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The incident raises serious concerns about freedom of expression and the rule of law in the state.Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra Congress criticizes the state government for its inaction.
- Shiv Sena activists vandalized a cultural studio.
- Kunal Kamra's comments sparked the violent reaction.
- Concerns raised about freedom of expression.
- The vandalism resulted in significant financial damage.
Mumbai, March 24 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Congress party criticized the state government on Monday following the vandalism of a studio by Shiv Sena activists. This incident occurred after comedian Kunal Kamra labeled Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde a “traitor”.
Harshwardhan Sapkal, the head of the state unit, pointed out that Kamra did not mention anyone specifically during his performance. Nonetheless, Eknath Shinde's supporters took offense and engaged in vandalism.
“The assailants are affiliated with a party that is part of the government. Do they lack faith in the government, the Constitution, the law, and the Home Department? Why did they choose to take the law into their own hands? Given this hooliganism exhibited by Shinde Sena members, is the ruling party planning to transform Maharashtra into a state resembling the Taliban?” questioned the Congress chief.
Sapkal emphasized that the studio, where Kamra's show was held, is not under his ownership. “It is a venue for various cultural events where individuals from all ideological backgrounds perform. Even a felicitation event for BJP leader and minister Ashish Shelar took place at this location,” he noted.
He further explained that the studio was established by a freedom fighter who only married after India achieved independence.
“This studio operates without profit motives, and numerous artists have graced its stage. The attack on this cultural center by Eknath Shinde’s supporters is an affront to the legacy of a freedom fighter,” he asserted.
Sapkal stressed that this matter transcends mere freedom of expression; it concerns how citizens ought to coexist in a democratic society.
“The destruction inflicted amounts to ₹25 lakh, and the government should provide restitution. During the incident, the police acted as mere spectators, which is alarming,” he remarked.
Sapkal also referenced Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who claimed that the government would seek damages from rioters in Nagpur. “Will similar measures be taken against Eknath Shinde and his rioters?” he inquired.
He pointed out that the government had used a bulldozer on the residence of Fahim Khan, implicated in the Nagpur riots.
“Given that Minister Nitesh Rane from the Fadnavis cabinet has made provocative remarks, will Fadnavis also send a bulldozer to demolish Nitesh Rane’s home?” he questioned.
