Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde criticized the Uddhav Thackeray faction of Shiv Sena for its attacks on him and comedian Kunal Kamra, alleging the use of the term ‘gaddar’ is part of a calculated attack. Shinde cited past incidents of oppression against dissent and emphasized the importance of public sentiment and constitutional rights in political discourse.
In a recent confrontation regarding comments made by comedian Kunal Kamra, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, criticized the Uddhav Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena. He accused Kamra of using the term ‘gaddar’ (traitor) in a reflective song as part of a contract orchestrated against him. Shinde asserted that while the Uddhav faction claims to uphold the Constitution and freedom of speech, they have previously silenced critics, citing instances like the demolition of Kangana Ranaut’s office in 2020.
Shinde has been labeled a traitor by the Uddhav faction since his departure from Shiv Sena in 2022 to ally with the BJP, which ultimately led to a shift in government in Maharashtra. Speaking at the Maharashtra Legislative Council, he challenged the opposition, insisting that the true gaddar has been identified by the Election Commission and the Supreme Court, emphasizing that the public’s consensus is paramount, despite any contracts against him.
Kamra elicited controversy during a show in Mumbai by referencing Shinde through a satirical rendition of a song from the popular film “Dil To Pagal Hai”. Following the performance, Shiv Sena supporters vandalized the comedy venue and Kamra was faced with police action. In response, he declared his willingness to cooperate but refused to apologize, highlighting the constitutional right that protects his expressive freedoms.
As tensions escalated, Shinde underscored his accusations against the Uddhav faction regarding their disrespect towards the Constitution, pointing to multiple incidents of violence against individuals who criticized them. He mentioned attacks on a retired Navy veteran for sharing a cartoon related to Thackeray and aggression against comedian Pranit More. Shinde’s statements directly challenged the commitment of the Uddhav faction to the principles they profess to uphold, leading to a heated exchange over the interpretation of free speech and personal rights in the political landscape of Maharashtra.
Eknath Shinde’s remarks have intensified the ongoing conflict between his faction of the Shiv Sena and Uddhav Thackeray’s group, revealing deeper issues surrounding freedom of speech and political dissent. Shinde’s accusations against the Uddhav faction for previously undermining constitutional rights highlight a significant divide in Maharashtra politics. As tensions mount, the discourse surrounding the role of satire and criticism in governance remains central to the struggles between political entities in the region.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
