Amid Kunal Kamra row, Eknath Shinde says ‘it’s a hit job done for money’

While speaking to a Marathi news channel, Shinde accused Kamra of “speaking on behalf of someone with an agenda”. “Freedom of expression is important, but it should not be misused. Many writers engage in satire, but what happened today was an act of immorality, licentious behaviour, and a hit job done for money,” said Shinde.

“This same person has previously spoken against the Chief Justice, the Prime Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, and leading industrialists of this nation. He has clashed with journalists and has even been banned by airlines. This is not freedom of expression. It is speaking on behalf of someone with an agenda. I haven’t commented on this issue all day, and I won’t,” he added.

On the vandalism carried out by his supporters, Shinde emphasised that he does not support such actions. “However, when making accusations, one must at least consider the level to which they are stooping. Every action has a reaction. I have immense patience and never react to anyone. Focusing on work and delivering justice to the people — this is what has led us to remarkable success,” he added.

The Mumbai police Monday booked Kamra for defamation, and also registered a First Information Report (FIR) against some members of Shinde’s Yuva Sena for vandalising the Habitat Studio. They arrested 12 Shinde Sena workers who were later released on bail.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) also sent a team to The UniContinental which houses the studio, which carried out an inspection of the site and got an unauthorised shed pulled down.

In a post on X late Monday, Kamra said: “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.”