"Why should Kunal Kamra apologize?": Aditya Thackeray

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 24 : Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aditya Thackeray defended stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra amid the massive row in Maharashtra over his remarks, stating that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde should first clarify whether he is a "traitor" or the "thief" before demanding an apology.
"...Why should Kunal Kamra apologise? If this traitor and thief is Eknath Shinde, then Kunal Kamra must apologize. But Eknath Shinde should first answer whether he is a traitor or a thief," Thackeray said.
He further referred to allegations of corruption, stating, "On January 15, 2023, I had put all the details of the Mumbai roads scam in front of the people. The questions I raised during question hour were never answered. I have been saying for 2 years that if anyone has embezzled money in the roadworks, it is the Eknath Shinde government that has done it. Today, the questions that the BJP is raising, I had also raised them. Action should be taken against Eknath Shinde, and he should be removed from the government, and a committee from the EOW should be formed."
The controversy erupted after Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) workers vandalised a Mumbai venue on Sunday night following Kamra's stand-up special, where he allegedly made disparaging remarks against Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned Kamra's remarks, stating that such statements cannot be justified as "freedom of speech."
"There is freedom to do stand-up comedy, but that doesn't mean he can say whatever he wants. The people of Maharashtra have already decided who the traitor is. Kunal Kamra should apologize. This will not be tolerated," Fadnavis asserted.
Fadnavis criticised Kamra's actions as an intentional attempt to defame Shinde, stating, "There is the right to comedy, but if it is being done to defame our Deputy CM Eknath Shinde purposely, it is not right."
Earlier in the day, Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray threw his weight behind stand-up artist Kunal Kamra amid the controversy over his remarks, asserting that Kamra's statements were truthful and reflective of public sentiment.
Thackeray said that calling a 'gaddar' a 'gaddar' was not an attack on anyone.
"I don't think Kunal Kamra said anything wrong. Calling a 'gaddar' a 'gaddar' is not an attack on anyone. Kunal Kamra has said the truth; he has expressed what people feel," Thackeray said while addressing the media.
Defending Kunal Kamra's freedom of expression, Thackeray added, "He has said the truth, so there is no question of infringement of freedom of expression. Hear the full song (from Kunal Kamra's show) and make others hear it too."