Kangana Ranaut defends Eknath Shinde, calls demolition of Mumbai studio ‘completely legal’
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Mumbai: Actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut criticised comedian Kunal Kamra for his remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Kamra had referred to Shinde as a "Gaddar" (traitor), a term frequently used by critics following Shinde's defection from the Shiv Sena, which led to the formation of the current state government.
Speaking to the media outside Parliament on Tuesday, Ranaut defended Shinde and criticised Kamra’s mockery. She also addressed the demolition of the Mumbai studio where Kamra had performed, stating, “I won’t compare this incident with what happened to my house because that was illegal, while this is completely legal.” She was referring to the 2020 demolition of her Mumbai office by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) during the Shiv Sena-led government's tenure.
Ranaut also praised Shinde, highlighting his journey from being an auto-rickshaw driver to becoming the state’s Deputy CM. “Shinde ji once drove a rickshaw, and today, he has reached great heights on his own merit. But who are these people mocking him? What have they achieved?” she said.
Kamra, known for his political satire, has often been critical of the BJP and its allies. His recent remarks triggered backlash from Shinde's supporters. On March 23, the venue where Kamra performed was vandalised by a group linked to Shinde’s faction. Shiv Sena workers also filed complaints against him at Khar and MIDC police stations.
In response, Kamra condemned the vandalism, calling it an attack on free speech. He criticised the authorities for demolishing the studio without prior notice, questioning whether the law would be applied equally to those responsible for the destruction. “I don’t fear this mob, and I will not hide under my bed, waiting for this to die down,” he stated.
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Gold, silver soar as US-Iran deal hopes lift bullion demand
New Delhi (PTI): Gold prices rebounded by Rs 2,900 to Rs 1.55 lakh per 10 grams in the national capital on Wednesday, while silver climbed to Rs 2.54 lakh per kilogram as easing geopolitical tensions triggered a pullback in oil rates, boosting demand for precious metals.
According to the All India Sarafa Association, the yellow metal of 99.9 per cent purity jumped by Rs 2,900, or nearly 2 per cent, to Rs 1,55,400 per 10 grams (inclusive of all taxes) from Tuesday's closing level of Rs 1,52,500 per 10 grams.
Traders attributed the surge in bullion prices to reports that Washington and Tehran are close to finalising a framework agreement to end months of conflict, raising the prospects of smoother flows through the Strait of Hormuz and easing inflation concerns tied to energy markets.
"Gold rallied strongly on Wednesday as easing geopolitical tensions triggered a sharp reversal in key macro drivers that had recently pressured precious metals," Saumil Gandhi, Senior Analyst - Commodities at HDFC Securities, said.
Silver prices also advanced for the third straight session by rising Rs 3,500, or 1.4 per cent, to Rs 2,54,500 per kg (inclusive of all taxes). The metal had settled at Rs 2,51,000 per kg in the previous session, as per the Association.
"The prospect of a diplomatic breakthrough triggered a steep decline in oil prices and the US dollar, easing concerns about inflation while boosting demand for precious metals," Gandhi said.
Globally, spot gold increased by USD 106.15, or 2.33 per cent, to USD 4,663.70 per ounce while silver gained USD 3.40, or 4.68 per cent, to USD 76.24 per ounce.
"Gold witnessed a sharp rally as markets reacted positively to reports that the US and Iran are moving closer to a one-page agreement framework aimed at ending the conflict," Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst - Commodity and Currency, LKP Securities, said.
Despite strong international gains, rupee strength limited the upside in domestic gold prices. The market is now highly focused on final confirmation and execution of the proposed deal, he added.
Any negative surprise or breakdown in negotiations could trigger a sharp sell-off in gold, while a successful agreement and sustained ceasefire could push the bullion prices higher in the near-term, Trivedi said.
