Comedian Kunal Kamra is facing backlash from Maharashtra’s government ministers after making a controversial joke about Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during a stand-up show in Mumbai. Kamra’s remarks, which targeted Shinde’s political career, have sparked a heated political debate.
Shiv Sena Minister Threatens Action
Gulab Raghunath Patil, a Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra minister, issued a warning to Kamra, saying that if the comedian doesn’t apologise, “we will speak to him in our own style.” Patil made it clear that the Shiv Sena would not tolerate the insult, adding, “He will come out, where will he hide?” suggesting that they would take further action if Kamra did not apologise.
State Minister Calls Kamra’s Actions Unacceptable
Yogesh Ramdas Kadam, the state minister for home affairs, also condemned Kamra’s behaviour. Kadam stated that Kamra would be punished for his comments, calling them “unacceptable.” He emphasized that while comedy is enjoyed, insults to the Supreme Court, the Prime Minister, and religious figures would not be tolerated in Maharashtra.
Kunal Kamra Refuses to Apologise
Despite the backlash, Kunal Kamra stood firm and refused to apologise for his comments. In a social media statement released on Monday, he made it clear that he would not retract his words. Meanwhile, Maharashtra’s Khar Police summoned Kamra to appear before them, though police confirmed that he was not currently in Mumbai.
Legal Action Against Kamra
An FIR was filed against Kunal Kamra by the MIDC police, which was later transferred to Khar Police for further investigation. The case relates to his comments during a stand-up show, in which he mocked Shinde by parodying a popular Hindi song and referring to him as a “gaddar” (traitor). Kamra also made jokes about the recent splits in Maharashtra’s Shiv Sena and NCP.
Eknath Shinde Responds to the Jibe
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde responded to Kunal Kamra’s comments, comparing the comedian’s remarks to taking a “supari” (contract) to speak against someone. Shinde stressed the importance of maintaining decorum while satirizing political figures and said there should be limits to freedom of speech. He also cautioned that actions have consequences, implying that the reaction to Kamra’s joke was understandable.
Shiv Sena Members Vandalise Venue
In response to Kamra’s remarks, Shiv Sena members caused damage to the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai’s Khar area, where the show took place, as well as a hotel located in the same premises. Shinde did not justify the vandalism but noted that such actions could occur when limits are crossed.
Shinde also pointed out that Kamra had previously made controversial comments about the Supreme Court, Prime Minister, and other public figures, implying that the comedian was not just exercising freedom of speech, but working for someone else.
