Amidst the escalating controversy surrounding Kunal Kamra, Nationalist Congress Party (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar stated on Tuesday that freedom of speech should be protected regardless of differing political views. He pointed out that the BJP seems to apply different standards to freedom of speech depending on whether they are in power or in opposition. Pawar recalled a previous situation where BJP leaders defended Kangana Ranaut's comparison of Mumbai to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, highlighting the contrast with their current anger over Kamra's remarks about Eknath Shinde.
"When the opposition was in power, Kangana Ranaut (BJP MP) made a statement comparing Mumbai to PoK. At that time, Devendra Fadnavis had a very different reaction, terming the action against her unfair, despite it being an anti-national statement," Pawar said. Pawar further said the statement now of Fadnavis, who is the chief minister and has the portfolio of the home minister, is totally contradictory.
Pawar further added, "When you are in power, and there is an action against your karyakarta, then your stance changes. We are saying maintain uniformity in your statements. Whatever Kamra has said that is his issue, I feel you should maintain the freedom of speech."
Defending Kamra's right to freedom of speech, the MLA said that unlike Kangana Ranaut who could be influenced by the BJP and says what the party wants her to say, Kamra "speaks in his own style."
Meanwhile, Kunal Kamra's refusal to apologize for his remarks made during a recent show has sparked strong reactions from Maharashtra government officials including from the State Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam and Minister Gulab Patil.
Maharashtra's Khar Police has sent a summons to Kunal Kamra, asking him to appear before the investigating officer today. `As per Mumbai police, Kunal is not in Mumbai right now. MIDC police had registered an FIR against Kamra for his remarks during a stand-up comedy show, which was transferred to Khar police for further investigation.
Also Read: Eknath Shinde's First Reaction on Kunal Kamra, Says 'There Should Be Limits'
Kangana Ranaut On Kunal Kamra controversy
BJP MP Kangana Ranaut says, "...We should think where society is heading when someone does this only for 2 minutes of fame...You might be anyone, but insulting and defaming someone...A person for whom his/her respect is everything, and you insult and disregard them...Who are these people, and what are their credentials? If they can write, they should do so in literature...Abusing people and our culture in the name of comedy...This has been done legally, but what had been done (demolishing of her bungalow) to me was illegally done."