Supported Kamra to protect artistic freedom: Andhare

Chaitanya.MarpakwarMumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) functionary Sushma Andhare appeared before the privileges committee of the state Legislative Council and said she supported comedian Kunal Kamra to protect the freedom of expression of artists. Andhare said every individual is guaranteed freedom of expression, and an artist’s freedom of expression is under threat; it was her duty to stand up and fight for that freedom. Andhare said action was taken against her to trap her with political motives. Andhare and comedian Kunal Kamra are facing a breach of privilege motion for Kamra’s comments against DCM Eknath Shinde, Andhare’s posts on social media regarding the incidents of vandalism at the venue where Kamra had performed, and posts supporting Kamra. Andhare said she refused to apologise for her comments. Kamra had appeared before the privileges committee last month.“The committee raised a point regarding why I chose to support Kunal Kamra; in response, I articulated my stance: according to the Indian Constitution, every individual is guaranteed freedom of expression. If an artist’s freedom of expression is under threat, it is my duty to stand up and fight for that freedom. It was precisely based on this principle that I extended my support to Kunal Kamra. I had no prior acquaintance with Kunal Kamra, nor had we ever met personally. Therefore, my post was intended solely to ensure that an artist like Kunal Kamra would not feel isolated, but rather realize that there are people standing alongside him who uphold constitutional values. This was the position I presented. Subsequently—and once again—every member of the committee asked me whether I would be willing to express regret over the matter or if I was prepared to offer a written apology. To this, I firmly replied: “No, I will not express any regret whatsoever nor give an apology,” Andhare said.The privilege motion was moved in March 2025 by BJP MLC Pravin Darekar. During his stand-up show, Kamra had performed a parody of a popular Hindi song from “Dil To Pagal Hai,” referring to Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor). Kamra also made jokes about recent political developments in Maharashtra, including party splits within Shiv Sena and NCP.“I told them my posts pertains to the individuals responsible for the vandalism. None of the perpetrators involved in the destruction were members of the legislature..Yes, what I stated earlier is indeed true for whether it be Prashant Koratkar, Rahul Solapurkar, Apte, or Koshyari—all these individuals have, at various times, insulted great historical figures. Furthermore, no one has ever uttered a single word of condemnation regarding these insults. Therefore, whenever anyone insults great historical figures in such a manner, my stance will remain exactly the same,” Andhare said.