Pramod Tiwari Supports Kunal Kamra Amid Shiv Sena Fury
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Synopsis
Congress leader Pramod Tiwari defends comedian Kunal Kamra after his satirical video targeting Eknath Shinde provokes backlash from Shiv Sena. Tiwari criticizes the government's attack on freedom of speech, while other leaders also condemn the excessive response from Shinde's faction.
Key Takeaways
- Pramod Tiwari defends Kunal Kamra's right to satire.
- Shiv Sena's aggressive reaction raises concerns about freedom of expression.
- Political satire is being threatened in the current climate.
- Legal actions are suggested as a proper response instead of intimidation.
- Public sentiment is divided over the incident.
New Delhi, March 24 (NationPress) Congress leader Pramod Tiwari stood up for stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra after his satirical video, which allegedly targeted Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, ignited a storm of criticism from the Shiv Sena faction led by Shinde.
In response to the uproar, Tiwari accused the government of undermining freedom of speech and questioned why Shinde reacted so vehemently when no specific names were mentioned.
"This is a classic case of ‘the guilty mind speaks,’ as they say, ‘the one who is guilty is the one making the most noise.’ No names were mentioned. Even if there had been, those who find it offensive can always approach the courts," Tiwari told IANS.
Criticizing Shinde’s faction for its heavy-handed reaction, he remarked, "As the Deputy Chief Minister and a former Chief Minister, will you file a lawsuit, or resort to hooliganism? Will you invade studios and destroy property? The Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, yet you are choking it with brute force. This resembles a dictatorship; this is fascism."
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also condemned the Shinde faction, accusing them of suppressing political satire and comedy.
"Before 2014, Kunal Kamra and other comedians regularly engaged in roasting and humor. It’s disgraceful that you are eradicating the space for comedy in this nation just because you disapprove of political satire. It’s shameful," she stated.
The video shared by Kamra on his YouTube channel has faced significant backlash from the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, with leaders warning of repercussions.
Shiv Sena leader Nilesh Rane issued a public threat, stating, "If you wish to do comedy, do so within your limits. No one is stopping you. But if you attack our beliefs and leaders, if you cross the line, we will not stand for it. Wherever he is seen, we will beat him and will not show mercy."
Conversely, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant downplayed the situation, declaring, "I don’t know him, I’ve never met him, and whatever he says is merely fabrications. These incidents are commonplace. Consider Sampat Saral; people enjoy listening to him and appreciate satire. However, law and order in our state is deteriorating, and those in power bear responsibility for this."
Earlier, Shiv Sena workers stormed and vandalized the venue of Kamra’s show at Mumbai’s Habitat Studio. The police subsequently instructed the Shiv Sena workers to come in for questioning.
“Meri nazar se tum dekho toh, gaddar nazar wo aaye. Haaye,” Kunal Kamra remarked during his performance.
He reportedly mocked Eknath Shinde using a modified version of a Hindi song from "Dil To Pagal Hai," drawing laughter from the audience.
The comedian posted the video clip on the social media platform X. Kunal Kamra was seemingly referencing Eknath Shinde's 2022 rebellion, which resulted in the division of Shiv Sena into the Shinde faction and the Uddhav Thackeray faction.
