In a fiery speech, Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray called for an apology from comedian Kunal Kamra, before questioning whether Eknath Shinde, the Minister of Urban Development and RE Development, was a traitor or a thief. Thackeray also demanded action against Shinde and criticised the BJP's handling of the Mumbai roads scandal. Meanwhile, he defended Kamra's freedom of expression and denounced the vandalism carried out by a rival faction of Shiv Sena.
The CBI conducted raids on the residences of former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in Raipur and Bhilai in connection to the Mahadev betting app case. The raids come ahead of Baghel's scheduled meeting at the Congress headquarters in Delhi. This follows previous raids conducted by the Enforcement Directorate in relation to the multi-crore liquor scam.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has kickstarted a nationwide agitation against the Waqf Amendment Bill, with the first protest held in Patna. Muslim organizations from across the country are gathering in Gardanibagh, urging the government to reconsider the proposed changes in Waqf property regulations. Amid mounting opposition, the Central Government has called for a meeting with all Members of Parliament to discuss the Bill's provisions. The AIMPLB has also invited Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to join the protest in an effort to gain momentum and raise awareness about the potential consequences of the Bill on the Muslim community.
With tight security measures in place, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be attending the Samadhi Smriti Mahotsav of Jain sant Acharya Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj at Dongargarh and a darshan at the Maa Bamleshwari temple. The revered saint, who passed away last year, was known for his austere lifestyle and contributions to education and religious revival. HM Shah's visit has brought excitement among locals and devotees, with hopes for attention towards developmental issues in the region.
Maharashtra's Finance Minister Ajit Pawar has caused controversy by revealing that he did not disclose the true financial burden of the 'Ladki Bahin' scheme to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. He stated that their priority was forming the government and it was not his duty to reveal the truth. He also addressed his now-infamous "wandering soul" comment about Sharad Pawar and the impact it had on the elections. This admission has sparked debates about the transparency of the government's promises and financial management.
A controversy broke out in the Lok Sabha on Monday as BJP members disrupted proceedings over a purported statement made by Kumar Shivakumar regarding changing the Constitution for providing reservation to Muslims. The Congress high command has asked Shivakumar for a clarification on the issue, stating that his remarks are being misinterpreted by the BJP. As the issue gained attention, Shivakumar himself came forward to speak to the media and clear the air.
The row over stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra's recent remarks has led to several political figures, including Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan and Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, speaking out in support of his freedom of expression. Ms Bachchan questioned the restrictions placed on speech in the country, while Mr Sawant defended Mr Kamra's comedy special, Naya Bharat as accurate and called for action against those who vandalised the venue where his show was filmed. The controversy has sparked conversations and debates about the limits of freedom of speech and the role of criticism in democracy.
Twelve members of the Yuva Sena, the youth wing of Shiv Sena, were arrested for disrupting a comedy show and damaging property. The incident was sparked by stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra's alleged derogatory remarks against Eknath Shinde, leader of Shiv Sena. While Shiv Sena defended Kamra's comments and accused him of being a "traitor," the opposition alliance criticized the party and their government for failing to maintain law and order.
The Parliament saw a ruckus on Monday as BJP members raised the issue of reservation for Muslims in government contracts in Karnataka. The BJP accused Congress leader D K Shivakumar, who holds a constitutional post, of stating that the Constitution will be changed to provide reservation for Muslims. However, Shivakumar denied the allegation, saying that he was misquoted by the media and accused the BJP of trying to misguide the country. Amid the chaos, the Congress high command asked Shivakumar to issue a clarification.
Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora has condemned comedian Kunal Kamra's recent mocking of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, stating that Kamra and others like him have been hired by the political elites to distract from crucial issues, such as the Disha Salian case. Deora also highlights the irony of Kamra's elitist language, as leaders from humble backgrounds have risen to power in India. He further questions the selective outrage of Congress and opposition leaders, citing examples of threats and violence against journalists and individuals critical of them. In response to Kamra's show, Shiv Sena workers vandalised the venue, leading to police questioning.