NEW DELHI: A stand-up comedy performance by Kunal Kamra ignited a political storm in Maharashtra, leading to violent protests, legal action, and heated exchanges among political leaders. His latest show, which was released online on Sunday, included sharp jabs at Maharashtra deputy CM Eknath Shinde, provoking outrage among the Shinde-led faction of Shiv Sena.
Kamra’s sharp political commentary included a parody of a popular Hindi song from ‘Dil Toh Pagal Hai’, in which he referred to Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor). His jokes also touched upon recent political turmoil in Maharashtra, including the splits between Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
The performance provoked an immediate reaction from Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction. Party workers stormed the Unicontinental Hotel’s Habitat Comedy Club Studio on Monday, ransacking the venue in protest against Kamra’s remarks.
The police responded, arresting Shiv Sena functionary Rahul Kanal and 11 others for the attack. However, a magistrate’s court granted them bail the same day.
FIR filed against Kamra
Amid the uproar, an FIR was registered against Kamra in Thane district for allegedly defaming Eknath Shinde. The case, filed at Dombivli police station by a Shiv Sena functionary, charges Kamra under Section 356(2) (defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
‘I will not apologise’
Despite the backlash, Kamra remained defiant. He issued a strong response on the same day as the vandalism, refusing to apologize. “I will not apologise,” he clarified in a post on X, taking aim at both the “mob and politicians” who were outraged by his jokes.
Political leaders react
The row quickly rocketed into a political slugfest, with leaders from different parties weighing in. Maharashtra minister of state for home Yogesh Ramdas Kadam condemned Kamra’s comments, warning of consequences.
“He will be punished. If you are going to insult the Supreme Court, PM of India, Hindu Gods and Goddesses, it is not tolerable. You cannot behave like this in Maharashtra or India… We do enjoy comedy, but this is not the kind of comedy that will be tolerated in Maharashtra,” Kadam said.
Another video by Kamra in response
Kamra, in turn, responded with another satirical video on Tuesday, mocking the Shiv Sena workers who vandalised the comedy club. He posted a clip of himself singing “Hum Honge Kangaal”, interspersed with footage of the destruction caused by party workers.
Sanjay Raut defends Kamra
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut came out strongly in support of Kamra, arguing that the comedian would not bow to pressure.
“I know Kamra. We share the same DNA. He is a fighter,” Raut told reporters. “He won’t apologize. If you have to act against him, you have to take recourse to lawful steps.”
His comments provoked a sharp reaction from Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Kadam, who retorted, “The DNA of Kamra and Raut could be the same. He (Kamra) is mad, and so is this person (Raut).”
BJP MLC Parinay Phuke also weighed in, alleging that Kamra was being supported by opposition parties. “The Congress or other parties are supporting Kamra. Their DNA must be the same because the DNA of scoundrels is the same,” he said.
‘Freedom of expression has limits’: Shinde
Eknath Shinde himself responded to the controversy, defending freedom of expression but warning against its misuse.
“Right to express is important in a democracy, but to say anything in the guise of it and on the instruction of somebody is wrong,” he said. “He said many things about PM Modi, CJI, FM Sitharaman, HM Shah. He has been saying such things. Many airlines have banned him. Who is behind him? I don’t worry, there have been many allegations against him. I don’t support the vandalism of the studio—that was due to the emotions of the party workers. This looks like a well-thought-out conspiracy.”
More allegations and threats against Kamra
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, in an exclusive interview with ANI, addressed the issue, saying, “Freedom of expression should not be misused as a tool for attacks. Unfortunately, some people treat free speech as their inherent right to create divisions and further polarise the country.”
Adding to the row, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske alleged on Tuesday that Kamra had been paid to make such statements as part of a conspiracy to divert attention from the Disha Salian case.
“It does not matter whether Kunal Kamra apologises or not, he has talked about our leader, our worker will give him ‘prasad’, it does not matter whether is sweet or bitter, he will himself tell about that. He will get the reaction of Shiv Sena,” he said.
“Kunal Kamra has been given money to make such statements to divert people’s attention away from Disha Salian’s case. Uddhav Thackeray and Sanjay Raut are left with no workers, which is why they are putting forward people like Kunal Kamra,” Mhaske told ANI.
He also issued a veiled threat, warning that Kamra would not be able to move around freely in Maharashtra.
“He will face the reaction as Shiv Sena is a party of reaction. We are Shiv Sainiks, and if someone talks rubbish about our leader, we will not tolerate that. We are ready to face all the consequences, but Kunal Kamra cannot roam freely in Maharashtra and India,” Mhaske said.
