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Eknath Shinde on the "traitor" remark amid the Kunal Kamra controversy: "People have delivered verdict."

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has responded sharply to the ongoing political backlash and comedian Kunal Kamra’s controversial remarks, asserting that the public has already delivered its verdict in his favor. The statement comes amid heated exchanges between Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction and its rivals, particularly the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), which has repeatedly labeled Shinde a "traitor" for splitting the party in 2022.  

The Political Backdrop  
Eknath Shinde’s rebellion in June 2022, which led to the collapse of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, remains a contentious issue in Maharashtra politics. The Thackeray faction has consistently accused Shinde of betraying the party’s ideology for power, while Shinde and his allies argue that their move was necessary to restore "true Hindutva" and align with the BJP, which they claim was the original vision of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray.  

The recent war of words intensified after stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, known for his satirical takes on politics, made remarks mocking Shinde’s leadership. Kamra’s comments, which went viral on social media, triggered strong reactions from Shinde’s supporters, who accused the comedian of disrespecting the CM and undermining democratic mandates.  

Shinde’s Defiant Response
 
Addressing the criticism, CM Shinde dismissed the "traitor" label, stating, *"The people of Maharashtra have already given their verdict. They have blessed us with their support, and no amount of name-calling can change that."* His remarks were seen as a direct rebuttal to Uddhav Thackeray’s camp, which has been aggressively campaigning against the Shinde-BJP alliance ahead of upcoming elections.  

Shinde also emphasized that his government’s development work and welfare schemes speak louder than political mudslinging. *"Those who are calling us traitors should look at the work we are doing—better infrastructure, farmer welfare, and industrial growth. The public knows who is truly serving them,"* he added.  

Kunal Kamra’s Role in the Controversy
 
Kunal Kamra, a vocal critic of the BJP and its allies, had recently targeted Shinde in one of his shows, calling his government "illegitimate" and mocking his political journey. This led to outrage among Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) leaders, with some even demanding legal action against the comedian for "defamation."  

Kamra, however, remains unfazed, citing freedom of expression. *"If politicians can call each other traitors every day, why can’t comedians joke about it?"* he tweeted, further fueling the debate. The episode has reignited discussions on the limits of political satire in India, with supporters of the Shinde government arguing that public figures in power deserve respect, while free speech advocates defend Kamra’s right to critique.  

Public and Political Reactions 
The BJP has backed Shinde, with senior leaders dismissing Uddhav Thackeray’s allegations as "sour grapes." Meanwhile, opposition parties, including the Congress and NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar faction), have used the controversy to attack the Shinde-BJP government’s legitimacy.  

Public opinion remains divided. While Shinde’s supporters believe his alliance with the BJP has brought stability to Maharashtra, critics argue that his rebellion set a dangerous precedent for opportunistic politics. The upcoming local elections will be the next big test of whether the electorate still stands by Shinde’s leadership or sides with Thackeray’s narrative of betrayal.  

Conclusion

The ongoing tussle between Eknath Shinde and his detractors underscores the deep divisions in Maharashtra’s political landscape. While Shinde remains confident in his public mandate, the "traitor" label continues to haunt his faction. As Kunal Kamra’s satire adds fuel to the fire, the debate over political legitimacy, free speech, and ideological loyalty shows no signs of fading. For now, Shinde’s message is clear—the people’s verdict, not political name-calling, will determine his fate.

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