Congress Accuses Government of Transforming Maharashtra into a Police State Amid Kunal Kamra Controversy
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Synopsis
The Congress party has condemned the MahaYuti government's actions regarding notices issued to Kunal Kamra's audience, labeling it a move towards a police state. The state Congress chief criticized the deteriorating law and order situation under the current administration and called for accountability in policing.
Key Takeaways
- Congress criticizes police actions against Kamra's audience.
- Maharashtra's law enforcement has declined under Fadnavis.
- Satire should be accepted in good spirit, according to Congress.
- Growing violence and crime undermine safety in Maharashtra.
- A call for competent leadership in the Home Department.
Mumbai, April 1 (NationPress) The Congress party has criticized the MahaYuti government for issuing notices to attendees of stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra’s performance, claiming this reflects a clear intention to convert the state into a police-controlled environment.
The president of the state Congress, Harshwardhan Sapkal, noted that during the Congress administration, Maharashtra boasted a robust law enforcement presence, with the Mumbai Police often likened to Scotland Yard.
“However, since Devendra Fadnavis assumed responsibility for the Home Department, there has been a marked decline in the state's law and order. The government seems disturbed by the satirical works of Kunal Kamra, and it has come to light that even those attending his shows are being issued notices. This action is a blatant attempt to transform the state into a police-controlled regime,” he stated.
He emphasized that if a comedian makes jokes about political figures, it should be embraced with an open mind and regarded as mere humor.
“Even Jawaharlal Nehru, Manmohan Singh, and Sonia Gandhi have faced harsh satire, yet artists or their audiences were never subjected to such harassment,” he remarked.
The Congress leader pointed out that Kunal Kamra didn’t even name Eknath Shinde, yet there have been acts of vandalism and intimidation against him by Shinde's party.
“What crime have the audience members committed simply by attending his show?” he questioned.
He further remarked that those who threatened Kamra and vandalized studios are free, while innocent spectators face police harassment.
“What sort of justice is this? The government’s endeavor to turn Maharashtra into a police state must be halted immediately. This administration seems to operate on the principle of punishing the innocent while allowing criminals to roam freely,” he declared.
Sapkal mentioned that it has only been three months since the BJP-led government took power, and during this brief period, incidents of murder have occurred in Beed and Parbhani, a former minister was slain in Mumbai, celebrities are receiving death threats, and actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked in his own residence.
“A woman was raped at the Swargate bus station. From celebrities to local leaders, no one is safe in this state. Gangs like the ‘Koyta Gang’, ‘Aka Gang’, and ‘Khoka Gang’ are operating freely, while the Home Department and police force are ineffective in combating crime. Drug sales are rampant from Pune to rural areas in Dharashiv, yet no action is being taken,” he added.
He asserted that if Fadnavis cannot devote sufficient time to the Home Department, he should appoint a full-time, capable Home Minister for the state’s benefit.
“Furthermore, the police chief, who has received an extension, should be honorably retired, and a new, competent, and unbiased officer should be appointed as the Director General of Police,” Sapkal concluded.
