Every action has a reaction: Eknath Shinde on vandalism at Mumbai's Habitat Studio over Kunal Kamra joke

Quoting Isaac Newton's third law of motion, Shinde told BBC News Hindi, "I don't support it but every action has a reaction. This is the workers' emotion. What has been said is a well thought out plan to disrespect or defame someone."

Shinde, a Sena leader who toppled the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in 2022 by defecting from the then united Shiv Sena, was called by Kamra "a traitor" in a parody of Shah Rukh Khan starrer 1997 film Dil To Pagal Hai's song, Bholi Si Surat.

Shinde, who is the former Maharashtra Chief Minister, claimed Kamra, whose comedy shows are mostly critical of the country's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), works in command of others.

"At whose behest does he say these things? Freedom is important in a democracy but making wrong statements againstpeople on someone else's command is not acceptable," said Shinde.

"Forget about me, what has he said about Prime Minister Narendra Modi-ji, Chief Justice of India, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman-ji, Union Home Minister Amit Shah-ji and several industrialists? He has even had a tussle with a lot of journalists!... Who is responsible for the disturbance of peace and disruption of law and order?"

Mumbai studio announces shutdown after Shinde-led Shiv Sena's vandalism

Mumbai's Habitat Studio, a popular platform for stand-up comedians in the city, on Monday announced its decision to shut down after Shiv Sena (Shinde) workers vandalised it.

Announcing its decision, Habitat Studio wrote on Instagram: "We are shocked, worried and extremely broken by the recent acts of vandalism targeting us. Artists are solely responsible for their views and creative choices."

"We have never been involved in the content performed by any Artist, but the recent events have made us rethink about how we get blamed and targeted every time, almost like we are a proxy for the performer," the studio said.

The studio further said, "We are shutting down until we figure out the best way to provide a platform for free expression without putting ourselves and our property in jeopardy."

"We invite all artists, audiences, and stakeholders to discuss and share their views freely and request your guidance so that we also respect the performers' rights," said the studio.

The studio said it has always been neutral in providing a platform for artists to share their work in any language.

Kamra's performance was hosted by the same studio where the controversial  'India's Got Latent' show was filmed.

The show triggered anger and severe protests were held following popular YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia's 'sex with parents' comment.

'Attacking a venue for comedian's words is senseless'

Kamra Monday condemned the demolition of Habitat Studio in Mumbai where supporters of Eknath Shinde vandalised the property in protest of his remarks made against the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister.

In a post on X, Kamra said an entertainment venue is merely a platform and has no power or control over what he says or does, so attacking a venue is "senseless".

"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," he said.

"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 said.

"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," the comedian said.

He said he is willing to cooperate with the police and courts for any lawful action taken against him.

However, he raised a question, "... 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?"

He also said he would not apologise for his remarks.

"I will not apologise. What I said is exactly what Mr. Ajit Pawar (1st Deputy CM) said about Mr. Eknath Shinde (2nd Deputy CM)," he said.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis demanded an apology in the Assembly this morning saying freedom of expression should not extend to "low-level comedy and disrespecting the Deputy Chief Minister".

Kamra, who spoke to the cops from Tamil Nadu, denied allegations that he was paid by the opposition to target Shinde.

As per reports, Kamra gave the cops permission to check his finances so they can confirm that no such payment was received.