Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday weighed in on the controversy surrounding stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, asserting that while satire is understood, it must have its limits. He emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum when making jibes, warning that actions inevitably lead to reactions.

Addressing the issue at a BBC Marathi event, Shinde likened Kamra’s remarks about him to taking a ‘supari’ (contract) to target someone.

“Freedom of speech exists, and we acknowledge satire, but there should be a boundary,” Shinde stated. “This feels like taking a ‘supari’ to speak against someone. If the other person does not maintain a certain standard, actions will invite reactions.”

He further criticized Kamra, noting that the comedian had previously made comments about the Supreme Court of India, the Prime Minister, and certain industrialists. “This is not about freedom of speech; this is working at someone’s behest,” Shinde claimed.

Kamra, 36, ignited a political controversy in Maharashtra after tweaking the lyrics of a popular Hindi film song to mock Shinde’s political career during one of his performances.

Despite the backlash, Kamra refused to apologize for his remarks. The controversy escalated as multiple videos of his performance circulated online, prompting workers of the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) to vandalize the venue where Kamra’s show was being held.

Following the incident, a First Information Report (FIR) was lodged against Kamra. Meanwhile, Mumbai Police arrested 12 individuals, including Shiv Sena functionary Rahul Kanal, for ransacking the venue. However, a magistrate’s court granted them bail within hours of their arrest.