Comedian Kunal Kamra has responded to the backlash over his controversial remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, asserting that no political party can dictate his comedy or the topics he chooses to address. Kamra's comments, which targeted Shinde's political decisions, have sparked outrage, leading to an FIR being filed against him and Shiv Sena workers reportedly vandalizing the venue where his show was held.
On Monday, Kamra took to social media to stand by his right to freedom of speech and expression, emphasizing that it is not meant to only support the powerful or wealthy. "Our right to freedom of speech and expression is not just for fawning over the rich and powerful, as today's media might have us believe," Kamra wrote. "Your inability to take a joke at the expense of a public figure does not change my right to speak freely."
The controversy erupted following Kamra’s performance at a recent comedy show, Naya Bharat, where he mockingly referred to Shinde as a "traitor" in relation to his split from the Shiv Sena and alignment with the BJP. During the show, Kamra performed a spoof song poking fun at Shinde's political actions and physical appearance, while also alluding to Shinde's relationship with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
The incident escalated when Shiv Sena workers vandalized The Habitat hotel in Mumbai, where the show took place. The following day, an FIR was registered against Kamra, and the Mumbai civic body demolished parts of the Habitat Studio, citing building regulation violations. In light of the vandalism, Habitat Studio announced that it would shut down its operations.
In his statement, Kamra responded directly to the "political leaders threatening to teach me a lesson," reiterating that poking fun at leaders and the political system is not illegal. "As far as I know, it is not against the law to mock our leaders and the circus that is our political system," he added. Kamra’s remarks continue to stir debate about the balance between freedom of expression and political sensitivities in India.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)