The recent FIR against stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra for his alleged derogatory remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has reignited the debate on freedom of speech. The opposition, particularly the INDI Alliance, has been vocal in criticizing the BJP-led Maharashtra government for taking action against Kamra. However, the same opposition remained silent when multiple cases of suppression of free speech were reported under their governance in various states.
The controversy escalated when Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis demanded an apology from Kamra, asserting that his remarks were not merely criticism but an outright insult to the deputy CM. Interestingly, while the INDI Alliance protests against such actions today, their own record shows a long history of crackdowns on journalists, social media influencers, and common citizens for expressing dissent.
A Pattern of Suppression Under INDI Alliance Governments
A detailed investigation reveals that from 2013 to 2025, numerous cases of suppression of freedom of expression were reported under INDI Alliance-ruled states. The hypocrisy is evident when compared to their current stance on Kamra’s case. Here are some of the incidents where free speech was curbed under their rule:
- Arrest of Journalists for Defamatory Videos in Telangana
Recently, two journalists were arrested for circulating a video critical of Telangana CM Revanth Reddy. The state government, led by the Congress, faced no backlash from its own allies who now cry foul over Kamra’s case.
- Social Media Influencer Arrested for Criticizing Karnataka CM
A social media influencer was arrested for using allegedly derogatory language against Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar in a video. Despite their past actions, the Congress today criticizes similar actions taken by BJP governments.
- Vinit Naik Held for Posts Against Karnataka Congress
Vinit Naik, a right-wing social media influencer, was arrested by Karnataka’s cybercrime police for posting content against the Congress manifesto. His arrest drew no outcry from the opposition, highlighting their double standards.
- YouTuber Arrested for Criticizing Jharkhand CM
Khan was arrested and booked under multiple laws for airing content deemed “objectionable” against CM Hemant Soren and other leaders.
- Tamil Nadu Police Arrest Social Media Influencer Uma Gargi
Uma Gargi was arrested for allegedly defaming CM MK Stalin and former leader Karunanidhi on social media.
- Content Creator Jailed for Memes Against Mamata Banerjee
Tuhin Mondal was arrested for posting memes distorting Mamata Banerjee’s speeches. The same party today claims to stand for free speech.
- YouTuber Roddur Roy Arrested for Remarks Against Mamata Banerjee
Roddur Roy was arrested for his comments against Mamata Banerjee, revealing the double standards of the TMC government.
- Mumbai Police Arrested Sameet Thakkar for Tweets Against Thackeray Family
Sameet Thakkar was arrested for his tweets against the Thackeray family, proving how the then-ruling alliance had no hesitation in silencing critics.
Other incidents include:
- A Hindutva activist was arrested in Karnataka for a Facebook post.
- BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya facing FIR for posts against Mamata Banerjee.
- Mangalam TV journalists in Kerala were arrested for exposing a minister.
- An actor was arrested for criticizing Mamata Banerjee’s government in a play.
- An actor was arrested for laughing during a Youth Congress leader’s speech.
- A student, Kirti Sharma, was arrested in Kolkata for Instagram posts against Mamata Banerjee.
INDI Alliance’s Hypocrisy on Free Speech
The INDI Alliance’s selective outrage over Kamra’s FIR exposes its blatant double standards. When their governments were in power, they took severe action against critics, including arrests, police harassment, and legal cases. Now that they are in opposition, they portray themselves as defenders of free speech, conveniently ignoring their past actions.
The NDA-led BJP government has consistently upheld democratic values, ensuring that law and order are maintained. If action is taken against Kamra, it is in response to a legal violation, not an attack on free speech. The INDI Alliance must answer for its past actions before pointing fingers at the current government.
Freedom of speech should not be weaponized for political convenience. If the INDI Alliance truly believes in democratic values, it must first acknowledge its past transgressions. Selective outrage only exposes their hypocrisy and weakens their credibility.
It is time for India to recognize who genuinely stands for democracy and who merely uses it as a tool when it suits them. The NDA and BJP’s governance model has ensured that rule of law is followed without bias. The real question is, will the INDI Alliance ever be held accountable for its repeated breaches of freedom of expression?
ALSO READ: “From Stand-Up to Stand-Offs: Kunal Kamra’s Never-Ending Obsession With Controversies”
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