e-Rise news network

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, speaking on the Kunal Kamra joke controversy, said that there should be a limit, and that action causes reaction. He said he does not justify vandalism, and that he would refrain from responding to the allegations. 

“Freedom of speech is there. We understand satire. But there should be a limit. This is like taking ‘supari’ (contract) to speak against someone,” Shinde said at a BBC Marathi event.

“I will not speak much on this. I do not justify vandalism,” said Shinde commenting on the vandalism of the studio where Kamra had performed. “Otherwise, action causes reaction,” he cautioned.

“This same person (Kamra) had commented on the Supreme Court of India, the Prime Minister, Arnab Goswami and some industrialists. This is not freedom of speech; this is working for someone,” Shinde said. “Nowadays, I don’t reply to allegations. I say my work will be my reply. I’ve always prioritised work. All the projects like Atal Setu, Coastal Road (both in Mumbai) and Metro projects had stopped abruptly. We restarted them, giving priority to development and welfare schemes,” he said, further highlighting the welfare initiatives of the state government.