After controversy erupted over comments of stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra over Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, the Mumbai Police sources said that the stand-up comedian does not regret his remarks and does not wish to apologise for the comments he made.
Kamra also rejected the Shinde Sena’s charge which he received a huge sum from the opposition to frame Eknath Shinde. Kamra reportedly said that the police could check his financial details if needed, According to an NDTV report.
Over tendering an apology, which has been sought by the Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis who said he would not accept freedom of expression if it leads to tyranny, Kamra said he would apologise if the court asks him to do so.
Fadnavis said, “We appreciate humour and satire. We accept political satire, but we do not accept freedom of expression if it leads to tyranny.”
He stated that Kamra staged “low-quality” comedy. “This artist makes statements against the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice; he wants to gain fame by creating controversy. He targeted Eknath Shinde and staged low-quality comedy,” adding that the people will decide whether Eknath Shinde is a traitor or a selfish person.
Further referring to Eknath Shinde as the heir to Balasaheb Thackeray’s legacy, he questioned the opposition, asking whether they had given a “supari” for the stand-up show.