Synopsis
The Maharashtra Legislative Council experienced several adjournments due to the uproar over comedian Kunal Kamra's remarks about Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The government announced an investigation into Kamra's call records and financial transactions amidst heated exchanges between ruling and opposition members.Key Takeaways
- The Maharashtra Legislative Council was disrupted due to Kamra's remarks.
- Government to investigate Kamra's financial records.
- Opposition raised concerns over vandalism of Kamra's studio.
- Debate on Constitution coincided with the incident.
- Freedom of speech concerns highlighted by opposition leaders.
Mumbai, March 24 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Legislative Council faced multiple adjournments on Monday due to the uproar surrounding stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra’s indirect remark labeling Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a ‘traitor’ during his performance.
On that day, a fiery exchange erupted between members of the ruling party and the Opposition. Amid the chaos, Minister of State for Home (Urban), Yogesh Kadam, declared that the Maharashtra government would conduct an inquiry into Kamra's call detail records and banking transactions.
The minister further emphasized that strict measures would be implemented against Kamra, and the government aimed to identify the orchestrator behind the verbal attack on Shinde.
The Leader of Opposition (LoP) and Shiv Sena (UBT) representative, Ambadas Danve, brought to light the vandalism of the Mumbai studio where Kamra’s show was filmed.
He argued that this incident posed a serious law and order threat, not just in Mumbai but throughout Maharashtra.
As soon as Danve began addressing the issue, Eknath Shinde, present in the assembly, exited the session.
Danve stated, "This is a very serious matter; the studio was attacked by activists of the ruling party in the presence of law enforcement. The vandalism's timing coincided with a planned two-day debate in the state legislature on the Constitution of India.”
“The assault by Shiv Sena members is an infringement on freedom of speech. Those who vandalized the studio remained silent when offensive comments were made against Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj by individuals such as Prashant Koratkar and Rahul Solapurkar," Danve expressed.
While Danve was addressing the assembly, BJP and Shiv Sena members engaged in a heated exchange against Kamra's alleged comments about Shinde, resulting in a verbal clash between Treasury and Opposition members.
Amidst the turmoil, state council chairman Ram Shinde instructed the state government to present its stance on the matter.
Industry Minister Uday Samant noted that Kamra had previously made derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"Kamra participated in Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra. What does it imply when he disparages our leader? If tomorrow someone makes offensive remarks against Uddhav Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray, we will stand with you. Now you need to support us," Samant appealed to Shiv Sena (UBT) members.
Danve clarified that he was not targeting anyone but merely highlighted the ruling party's violation of law and order.
"You are in power; file a case against him! Conduct a trial, but why take the law into your own hands?” he questioned.
However, members of the ruling party caused further disruption, leading the Chair to adjourn the House for 10 minutes.
Upon reconvening, BJP MLC Prasad Lad criticized Kamra, alleging that Opposition parties were attempting to distort the issue. However, as MVA members protested, the council was again adjourned for 15 minutes.
When the House resumed, Ram Shinde permitted Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Sachin Ahir to speak, but amid the ongoing chaos, he once again adjourned the House for 30 minutes.
Upon resumption, Minister Kadam announced that the state government would investigate Kamra's CDR and financial transactions.
