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Kamra’s satire is like taking a ‘supari’ against someone, says Eknath Shinde
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has compared comedian Kunal Kamra’s satirical remarks about him to taking a “supari (contract)" to criticise someone, stating that while freedom of speech exists, there must be a limit to satire. Speaking at an event on Monday, Shinde asserted that actions have consequences and emphasised the importance of maintaining decorum while making political or social commentary. The stand-up comedian has sparked a political controversy in Maharashtra with his performance, where he took jibes at Shinde’s political career. Kamra performed a parody of a well-known Hindi song from the film 'Dil Toh Pagal Hai', seemingly labelling Shinde as a “gaddar (traitor)." His set also included comments on recent political developments in Maharashtra, including the split within the Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), PTI reported. The controversy escalated on the night of March 23 when Shiv Sena workers vandalised the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai’s Khar area, where Kamra’s show was recorded. They also targeted a hotel where the club is located, protesting against the comedian’s remarks. Reacting to the incident, Shinde stated, “Freedom of speech is there. We understand satire. But there should be a limit. This is like taking a ‘supari’ to speak against someone.” Addressing the vandalism by Shiv Sainiks, Shinde remarked that while he did not endorse such actions, those making satirical comments should also uphold a certain level of responsibility. “Otherwise, action causes reaction,” he stated. However, he maintained that he does not justify vandalism. Shinde also pointed out that this was not the first instance where Kamra had made controversial remarks. “This same person had earlier commented on the Supreme Court, the Prime Minister, (journalist) Arnab Goswami, and certain industrialists. This is not freedom of speech; this is working for someone,” the deputy CM claimed, as per PTI reports. Meanwhile, Kamra has defended his act, refusing to apologise for his remarks on Shinde and criticising the vandalism at the venue. In a social media statement, he reiterated that an entertainment venue should not be held accountable for a comedian’s words and questioned whether the law would be equally applied to those who resorted to violence. Amid the controversy, Shinde underlined his focus on governance rather than responding to allegations. “Nowadays, I don't reply to allegations. I say my work will be my reply. I've always prioritised work. Projects like Atal Setu, the Coastal Road, and Metro projects had stalled abruptly. We restarted them, prioritising development and welfare schemes,” he stated. He further highlighted various welfare initiatives implemented by the Maharashtra government, including the 'Ladki Bahin' scheme, the 'Lakhpati Didi' scheme, and the decision to make education free for girls. Shinde emphasised that his administration had taken several policy decisions and implemented necessary government resolutions (GRs) to benefit the people. “So, I don’t focus on who says what; I answer them through my work,” he concluded. (With inputs from PTI)
25 March,2025 02:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Demolition of house was retaliatory action: Nagpur violence accused's kin
The brother of Yusuf Sheikh, an accused in the March 17 Nagpur violence, has alleged that the city's civic body initiated the demolition of part of their residence despite the family possessing all necessary approvals and documents. Ayaz Sheikh claimed that their house was legally constructed, and accused the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) of acting out of "revenge" by partially demolishing the structure on Monday, citing it as "unauthorised." The demolition, however, was halted after the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court intervened following legal pleas filed by Yusuf Sheikh and Fahim Khan, an alleged mastermind of the recent communal clashes. While civic authorities flattened the two-storey house belonging to Khan, stating it had been built illegally, the residence of Yusuf Sheikh in the Mahal Gate area was spared after the High Court ordered a stay on the action, PTI reported. After the demolition was stopped, Ayaz Sheikh spoke to the media, reiterating his claim that the NMC's action was "revenge-driven." "We had no involvement in the riots. This property has belonged to my father, and I have been its owner since the 1970s. We are law-abiding citizens, and Hindus and Muslims have lived together in harmony in this area," he stated. Ayaz Sheikh further revealed that the family had received a notice from the NMC regarding the planned demolition of an "illegal" section of their building, which was affixed to the house wall on Saturday. "I presented the property documents and the sanctioned building plan to the civic staff, who then asked us to bring them to the NMC office in Civil Lines for verification. However, when we arrived, officials refused to accept the documents," he claimed. "Even then, we sent the documents via post. On Monday, when we once again visited the NMC office, we discovered that orders for demolition had already been issued," he added. According to PTI, Ayaz Sheikh further alleged that once the civic body became aware that his family had approached the High Court for a stay order, the NMC escalated its demolition efforts, tearing down a portion of their house. The High Court later reprimanded the NMC and stayed the demolition, but Ayaz Sheikh expressed distress over the financial and social consequences. "We have suffered massive damage both financially and in terms of our reputation in society," he lamented. As per PTI, the violence in Nagpur erupted following misinformation that a ‘chadar’ featuring religious inscriptions had been burned during protests organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). The protests had been calling for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district in central Maharashtra. (With inputs from PTI)
25 March,2025 02:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Kunal Kamra row: Stand-up comic summoned by Khar Police over Shinde remarks
Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has been summoned by the Khar Police to appear before the investigating officer at 11 am on Tuesday, ANI reports. However, Mumbai Police have stated that Kamra is currently not in the city. According to ANI, the MIDC Police had previously registered an FIR against Kamra over remarks made during a stand-up comedy performance. The case was later transferred to Khar Police for further investigation. The controversy arose after Kamra allegedly made critical remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in his latest stand-up special. Following this, Shiv Sena workers vandalised the Mumbai venue where Kamra had performed, ANI reports. In response to the incident, Kamra issued a statement via his official social media handle, declaring that he would not apologise for his act. The comedian defended the entertainment venue where his show was held, asserting that it should not be held responsible for his comedic content. “An entertainment venue is merely a platform. A space for all sorts of shows. Habitat (or any other venue) is not responsible for my comedy, nor does it have any power or control over what I say or do. Neither does any political party. Attacking a venue for a comedian’s words is as senseless as overturning a lorry carrying tomatoes because you didn’t like the butter chicken you were served,” Kamra’s statement read, according to ANI. Kamra further stated that he is willing to cooperate with the police and legal authorities regarding any lawful action taken against him. However, he also questioned whether the law would be applied equally to those who resorted to vandalism in response to his remarks. “I am willing to cooperate with the police and courts for any lawful action taken against me. But will the law be fairly and equally deployed against those who have decided that vandalism is the appropriate response to being offended by a joke? And against the unelected members of the BMC, who have arrived today at Habitat, without prior notice, and tore the place down with hammers? Perhaps for my next venue, I will opt for Elphinstone Bridge or any other structure in Mumbai that’s in need of speedy demolition,” Kamra’s statement added. (With inputs from ANI)
25 March,2025 01:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
BJP-Sena alliance collapsed over four assembly seats in 2014, says CM Fadnavis
Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis has revealed that the first split between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the then-undivided Shiv Sena in 2014 occurred due to a dispute over just four assembly seats during the state elections. According to PTI, Fadnavis made this statement while speaking at an event in Mumbai on Monday night, held to felicitate Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur, who was the BJP’s Maharashtra in-charge at the time. Fadnavis explained that the BJP had planned to contest 127 seats in the 288-member state assembly elections and had offered the Shiv Sena 147 seats. However, the latter remained adamant about contesting 151 seats, leading to the alliance’s breakdown. “We gave the Shiv Sena an ultimatum to accept 147 seats, while we contested 127, despite our confidence in winning over 200 seats,” said Fadnavis, as per PTI reports. He added that under this arrangement, the Shiv Sena would have held the chief minister’s post, while the BJP would have its deputy chief minister. However, the alliance talks failed as Shiv Sena refused to concede ground. “We were informed that the ‘yuvaraj’ (crown prince) had already announced that they would contest 151 seats, and they were unwilling to retract that number,” said Fadnavis, without explicitly naming anyone. As per PTI, he suggested that fate had ultimately played its role in paving his way to the chief ministerial position. Fadnavis also recounted discussions with senior BJP leader Amit Shah during that period. “We spoke with Amit Shah and expressed our concerns about how we were being treated. He discussed the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Ultimately, Shah, Mathur, and I were convinced that we could put up a strong fight in the 2014 assembly elections,” he said. In response to Fadnavis’ remarks, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut stated on Tuesday that while many developments transpired at the time, the BJP’s senior leadership had already planned to sever ties with Shiv Sena. “Negotiations over seat-sharing dragged on for 72 hours. Om Mathur was BJP’s Maharashtra in-charge back then. I will admit honestly that Fadnavis was in favour of maintaining the alliance. He wanted it to continue, but the party’s senior leaders had other plans,” Raut alleged, as per PTI. Following the breakdown of the alliance, both parties contested the 2014 state elections separately. However, post-election, the Shiv Sena eventually allied with the BJP again to form the government under Fadnavis’ leadership. The rift between the two parties resurfaced after the 2019 Maharashtra assembly elections, this time over the issue of sharing the chief minister’s post. The Shiv Sena later parted ways with the BJP and formed a coalition government with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Congress, led by Uddhav Thackeray. The political turmoil within the Shiv Sena escalated in 2022 when a faction of its MLAs, led by Eknath Shinde, rebelled against Thackeray’s leadership, leading to a formal split within the party. (With inputs from ANI)
25 March,2025 01:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Mumbai: Two-wheeler collides with BEST bus in Borivali, no injuries reported
A wet lease-operated BEST bus met with an accident in Borivali on Monday morning. No injuries were reported in the incident. According to officials, the accident occurred at 11.15 am near Daulat Nagar when the driver of the bus, operating on route number 702/34 between Magathane depot and Ghodbunder village, was forced to apply brakes suddenly after a motorcycle unexpectedly came in front of the bus. As the driver brought the vehicle to a halt, a scooty following behind collided with the left side of the bus, resulting in damage to the front of the two-wheeler. Following the collision, the scooty rider stopped the bus. In response, the bus driver immediately contacted the police by dialling 100. Upon arrival, police officials took both the bus and the scooty driver to Kasturba Police Station for further inquiry. The bus remained stationed at the accident site while authorities addressed the situation. Officials have confirmed that no injuries were sustained in the accident. Both the bus driver and the scooty rider were subsequently released without any formal case being registered at the police station. Speaking to Mid-Day, BEST’s chief spokesperson Sudas Sawant confirmed the details of the incident.
25 March,2025 01:47 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. Aklekar
Maharashtra: CPI(M) calls for withdrawal of Jana Suraksha Bill
The Maharashtra State Committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] on Tuesday, 25th March, made a scathing attack on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's NDA-led State government's "Special Jana Suraksha Bill" (Special Public Safety Bill). They called the bill an anti-democratic measure designed to suppress dissent.In a press statement, the CPI(M) called for an immediate withdrawal of the legislation, cautioning that it grants extensive powers to even low-ranking police officers to suppress organized opposition to government policies.The party slammed BJP-led Maharashtra government, where CM Fadnavis also holds the Home portfolio, of masking its intent to crush democratic voices under the pretext of curbing "Urban Naxals.""The purported objective of the Bill, in the words of CM Fadnavis, is to curtail 'Urban Naxals'. The real objective is to suppress the voice and acts of organised democratic resistance," the statement read.Given the ruling alliance's strong majority in state legislature, the CPI(M) expressed concern that the Bill's passage is almost certain, equipping authorities with "draconian powers" to target those who oppose them. "If passed, which is a surety given the massive majority the ruling alliance commands in the state legislature, it will give draconian powers even to the lowest-level police officers," the statement added. The CPI(M) highlighted public's struggles and said, "The people of Maharashtra are facing extreme hardships due to the anti-people policies of the BJP-led state and central governments," highlighting issues like farm produce prices, crop insurance, MGNREGA work, land rights, minimum wages, and caste-based discrimonation.The party argued that the government is not focusing on these issues, rather it is "dynamiting people's democratic rights" to favour "corporate communal forces". It claimed that the bill, is a tool to bolster this agenda against public interest.The CPI(M) slammed the Bill's vague provisions, which allow the state to declare any act or organisation "illegal unilaterally". It explained, "The state government has arrogated to itself the sole right of declaring any act or organisation 'illegal'," with penalties including three years' imprisonment and a Rs 3 lakh fine for members and up to seven years' imprisonment and a Rs 5 lakh fine for supporters or facilitators. The party cautioned that these measures are intended to dismantle labour and civil society organisations.Pledging resistance, the CPI(M) vowed, "While condemning this neo-fascist attack by the Maharashtra government, [we] vow to fight it back tooth and nail by mobilising its mass base, as well as all sections of broad left and democratic opinion." (ANI) (With ANI inputs)
25 March,2025 01:16 PM IST | Mumbai
Cops to face action if hookah parlours are found functioning: CM Fadnavis
The Maharashtra Government has intensified its drive against e-cigarettes and hookah. It has been decided to suspend police officers if hookah parlours are found functioning in their respective areas without their knowledge. Apart from this, repeat offenders in hookah parlours cases will also face arrests, which was not the case earlier. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while speaking in the legislative assembly during the Question Hour on Tueday, said, “Consumption of hookah has a become a style statement. In many places, tobacco is used. At some places, other drug substances are also used. A drive against such establishment is going on. But, it will be intensified further." Fadnavis was replying to Congress legislators Vishwajeet Kadam and Nana Patole and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Sanjay Kelkar, who had raised query on the rising hookah parlours across the state and increase in e-cigarette consumption. While Kadam demanded that action is needed across the state, Patole accused the police department of allowing hookah parlours to function. “Those responsible to take action are themselves allowing hookah parlours to function. Will the government take any action on police officers?” Patole questioned. In his reply, Fadnavis, who heads home department, assured the members that the government's intentions are very clear when it comes to action against drugs or hookah parlours. “If the functioning of the hookah parlours is brought to notice by anyone other than the police officers, then the personnel from the area concerned will be suspended,” the CM warned.
25 March,2025 01:00 PM IST | Mumbai | Sanjeev Shivadekar
He will be punished: Maharashtra Ministers warn Kunal Kamra
Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has refused to apologise for his derogatory remarks on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Eknath Shinde, ANI reported. His refusal to apologise for his remarks has now sparked sharp responses from Maharashtra Government officials including Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam and Minister Gulab Patil.MoS Home Yogesh Ramdas Kadam on Tuesday said that Kamra would be punished for his behaviour, which he described as unacceptable and also said that Kamra cannot behave like that in Maharashtra or India. Kadam stated, "He will be punished. If you are going to insult the Supreme Court, PM of India, Hindu Gods and Goddesses, it is not tolerable. You cannot behave like this in Maharashtra or India... We do enjoy comedy, but this is not the kind of comedy that will be tolerated in Maharashtra."Kunal Kamra on Monday, 24th of March released a statement on his official social media handle saying that he would not "apologise" for his act and that he will not bow down to the mob that is targeting him.According to ANI, Maharashtra Minister Gulab Raghunath Patil also expressed strong objection on Kamra's actions. Patil stated, "If he doesn't apologise, we will speak to him in our own style... Shiv Sena won't leave him... we won't tolerate this insult... if he doesn't apologize, he will come out, where will he hide?... Shiv Sena will show its real form."Earlier, Mumbai's Khar Police has sent a summon to standup artist Kunal Kamra, asking him to appear before the investigating officer at 11 am today. According to the Mumbai Police, Kunal Kamra is not in Mumbai right now.MIDC Police had registered an FIR against Kunal Kamra for his defamatory remarks on Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.during a stand-up comedy show, which was transferred to Khar Police for further investigation.Reacting to the ongoing debate over his remarks about Eknath Shinde in his latest YouTube video on Kunal Kamra stated that the entertainment venue is merely a platform and is not "responsible" for his comedy.The Shiv Sena workers vandalised and destroyed the properties of The Habitat centre in Mumbai after Kamra's remarks about Eknath Shinde on Sunday. (With ANI inputs)
25 March,2025 12:05 PM IST | Mumbai
Mumbai weather update: IMD predicts clear skies, humidity rises to 58 percent
Mumbai is set to experience mainly clear skies on Monday, March 25, as per the latest forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). With rising humidity and steady temperatures, the city’s weather conditions remain stable. Mumbai Weather Today According to IMD reports, Mumbai will see a minimum temperature of 23 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 32 degrees Celsius today. As of 9 AM, the temperature stands at 29 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels recorded at 58 percent. Winds are currently blowing at a speed of 3 kilometres per hour. The weather is expected to remain consistent throughout the day, with no major changes anticipated. Looking ahead, IMD predicts that on March 26, temperatures will slightly drop, with a minimum of 22 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 31 degrees Celsius. The weather department has also indicated that clear skies will continue to dominate until the end of the month. Additionally, humidity levels are expected to gradually decrease over the coming days. Mumbai’s Air Quality Improves Mumbai has been grappling with poor air quality for the past few months, particularly between November and February. However, there has been a noticeable improvement in recent weeks. Today, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the city is recorded at 95, which falls under the ‘satisfactory’ category. This marks a positive shift from the severely polluted conditions seen earlier. With clear skies, stable temperatures, and improving air quality, Mumbaikars can expect relatively comfortable weather as March draws to a close.
25 March,2025 12:01 PM IST | Mumbai
Dharavi fire doused after three-hour operation
The blaze that broke out in a truck carrying gas cylinders in the Dharavi area of Mumbai on Monday night has been doused, said civic officials. No injuries were reported in the incident. According to the latest information by the Mumbai Fire Brigade, the Level-2 (significant) blaze, was doused at 12.44am on Monday, after a three-hour operation. Civic officials reported that the incident occurred at Nature Park in PNGP Colony on Sion-Dharavi Link Road. The fire was confined to liquified petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders stored in a truck. The incident was first reported at 9.50 pm, the officials said. After receiving information, the Mumbai Fire Brigade and civic officials rushed to the spot and launched a fire-fighting operation. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said that upon receiving the alert, fire brigade responded quickly and had initially declared the blaze as Level-I (minor) fire at 10.06 pm, but it was later upgraded to Level-2 fire at 10.07 pm. The fire department, along with local police, traffic police, and a 108 ambulance, were rushed to the spot to control the situation. According to the Mumbai Police, the fire caused explosions in the cylinders. The police said that around three to four other vehicles parked next to the burning truck were also damaged owing to the fire. The truck driver’s identity has been established, and authorities are in the process of detaining him for further questioning. A total of 19 fire trucks from the fire brigade were deployed to bring the fire under control. Senior police officers, including the Senior Police Inspector from Dharavi Police Station and the Assistant Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Police from Zone 5, were present at the spot during the relief and rescue operations. Meanwhile, due to the major fire in a gas cylinder truck near the Dharavi depot, the road was closed for traffic as a precautionary measure. As a result, several Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) bus routes had been diverted on Monday night, the undertaking said in a statement. These included the BEST bus routes number 7, 22, 25, A25, 312, 341, 411, and 302, which were being operated from Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) to Dharavi T Junction.
25 March,2025 10:24 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Kunal Kamra row: Youth Congress criticises govt over vandalisation of venue
Mumbai Youth Congress President Akhilesh Yadav has called for the resignation of Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis over the vandalisation of the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, news agency ANI reported. Shiv Sena workers vandalised the Mumbai-based venue on March 23, days after standup artiste Kunal Kamra made alleged derogatory remarks about Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde in a recent YouTube video. In a self-made video, Yadav on Monday condemned the vandalisation and vowed to renovate the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar where Kamra's show was filmed."... What are the Mumbai Police and the Maharashtra Home Minister doing about the scenes we are seeing in Mumbai today? Kunal Kamra did not even name anyone; how did they know he was talking about their leader? The vandalisation of the studio is condemnable," Yadav stated in the video."This is neither a culture of Maharashtra nor of Mumbai... Devendra Fadnavis should resign if he is incapable of handling such situations. Mumbai Youth Congress will renovate the studio that was vandalised," he added.Meanwhile, Kamra released a statement on his official social media handle and stated that he would not "apologise" for his act.Reacting to the ongoing controversy that has sparked owing to his remarks on Shinde in his latest YouTube video, Kamra also hit back at the ruling party over the vandalisation of Habitat Studio and said that an entertainment venue is merely a platform and is not "responsible" for his comedy.Kunal Kamra row: Attacking a venue for a comedian's words is senseless, says comedian "An entertainment venue is merely a platform. A space for all sorts of shows. Habitat (or any other venue) is not responsible for my comedy, nor does it have any power or control over what I say or do. Neither does any political party. Attacking a venue for a comedian's words is as senseless as overturning a lorry carrying tomatoes because you didn't like the butter chicken you were served," Kamra's statement read.Kamra also replied to political leaders "threatening" him to teach a lesson in his official statement. He said that the "inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not change" the nature of his right. The comedian added that it is not against the law as far as he knows."Our right to freedom of speech and expression is not only to be used to fawn over the powerful and rich, even though today's media would have us believe otherwise. Your inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not change the nature of my right. As far as I know, it is not against the law to poke fun at our leaders and the circus that is our political system," Kamra's statement added. The standup artiste emphasised that he is "willing" to cooperate with the police officers and authorities for any lawful actions taken against him, reported ANI. However, he also questioned whether "the law will be fairly and equally deployed against those who have decided that vandalism is the appropriate response to being offended by a joke.""However, I am willing to cooperate with the police and courts for any lawful action taken against me. But will the law be fairly and equally deployed against those who have decided that vandalism is the appropriate response to being offended by a joke? And against the unelected members of the BMC, who have arrived today at Habitat, without prior notice, and tore the place down with hammers? Perhaps for my next venue, I will opt for Elphinstone Bridge or any other structure in Mumbai that's in need of speedy demolition," the statement added."To those who are busy leaking my number or calling me incessantly: I am sure you've realised by now that all unknown calls go to my voicemail, where you will be subjected to the very song that you hate. To the media faithfully reporting this circus: Remember that press freedom in India ranks at 159. I will not apologise. What I said is exactly what Mr Ajit Pawar (1st deputy CM) said about Mr Eknath Shinde (2nd deputy CM). I don't fear this mob & I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down," the statement read. (With ANI inputs)
25 March,2025 10:02 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent