Shiv Sena(UBT) Condemns Government and Police for Attacks on Kunal Kamra's Studio
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Synopsis
On March 26, Shiv Sena(UBT) criticized the Mahayuti government and Mumbai Police for their inaction during the attack on Kunal Kamra's podcast studio. The party emphasized that the essence of democracy, represented by criticism, has been suppressed under the current regime. The editorial in 'Saamana' raised questions about the government's commitment to freedom of expression.
Key Takeaways
- Shiv Sena(UBT) criticizes the Mahayuti government for the attack on Kunal Kamra's studio.
- Editorial argues that PM Modi's claim about criticism being the soul of democracy has been undermined.
- Calls for accountability from the Maharashtra Home Minister and police during the incident.
- Highlights the contradiction in actions taken by the BMC post-vandalism.
- Raises concerns about freedom of expression in Maharashtra.
Mumbai, March 26 (NationPress) Shiv Sena(UBT) has criticized the Mahayuti government, Mumbai Police, and the Shiv Sena regarding the vandalism of the podcast studio following the controversial remarks made by stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra. They assert that criticism, which is considered the essence of democracy according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been suppressed.
In the editorial of their mouthpiece 'Saamana', Shiv Sena(UBT) questioned the actions of the Maharashtra Home Minister and police during the unrest in Mumbai.
“PM Modi claims that criticism is the soul of democracy. Here, both democracy and its essence have been trampled by the supporters of PM Modi. Instead of taking action against those who attacked the podcast studio, the Home Minister insisted that Kunal Kamra apologize to Shinde and resolve the issue. The concept of freedom of expression has been disregarded. Fadnavis' ancestors fought against the suppression of freedom of expression during the Emergency, but it appears that their struggles are now forgotten,” states the editorial.
“Under the guise of criticism, the pro-Modi Shinde group attacked a 'podcast studio'. They vandalized the studio, which serves as a platform for freedom of expression, and even issued threats against Kunal Kamra. What was the Maharashtra Home Minister doing during this turmoil in Mumbai?” the editorial questions.
“Did the police merely stand by as vandalism occurred, or were they complicit? Following the attack by the pro-Modi Shinde group, the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation swiftly arrived at the scene with a bulldozer, declaring many aspects of the studio to be illegal. It was only after Kunal Kamra delivered a satirical poem that the BMC realized there was illegal construction. This action by the BMC seems to be a farce as well,” the editorial continues.
The editorial further comments, “The current Chief Minister seems to endorse a policy of 'apologize and move on.' If the podcaster has indeed made inappropriate or defamatory comments, legal actions should be pursued. However, threats, violence, and vandalism prior to any proof of wrongdoing are clear acts of hooliganism. Home Minister Fadnavis appears to be openly supporting such behavior.”
The Thackeray faction escalated their attacks against Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis, questioning, “While Shinde’s supporters assaulted Kunal Kamra, why haven’t they condemned journalist Prashant Koratkar, who insulted Shivaji? Has the Maharashtra government granted Koratkar the right to mock Shivaji?”
Shiv Sena(UBT) also inquired whether Shinde’s faction would confront Raj Thackeray over his remarks that “There are many 'Khokyabhai' in the Vidhan Sabha.”
“This statement rings true. Raj Thackeray referred to all those who defected with 50 boxes to secure election victories as 'Khokyabhai'. The government is comprised of these 'Khokyabhai'. Will Shinde’s supporters march to Raj Thackeray’s residence today due to his analogy of 'Khokyabhai'?” concludes the Saamana.
