Kunal Kamra-Eknath Shinde Row: What’s The Controversy?

Popular stand-up comic Kunal Kamra hasa landed into yet another controversy after having shared a picture of his holding a copy of the Indian Constitution, which is a gimmick that is similar to that of Rahul Gandhi .

The caption of his photo read, "The only way forward."

The stand-up comic had also recently referred to the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra as "gaddar" or traitor. As a result, he had also received immense backlash over his comments.

CM Devendra Fadnavis Slams Kamra

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, while slamming the comedian said, "There is freedom to do stand-up comedy, but he cannot speak whatever he wants."

Additionally, the Chief Minister also demanded an apology from him for defaming the Deputy CM and stated, "The people of Maharashtra have decided who the traitor is. Kunal Kamra should apologize. This will not be tolerated. There is the right to comedy, but if it is being done to defame our Dy CM Eknath Shinde purposely, it is not right."

Devendra Fadnavis also pointed out that the red Constitution book held by Kamra in his picture is similar to the one Rahul Gandhi held. The minister added that both of them had not read the Constitution, which grants freedom of speech but with certain limitations.

"People have voted and supported us in the assembly elections in 2024. Those who were traitors were sent home by the people," the Chief Minister added.

FIR Against Kunal Kamra

The stand-up comic has booked under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 353(1)(b) - Statements conducing to public mischief and section 356(2) - Defamation.

The FIR has been lodged against Kamra for his derogatory jokes about Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.

Though Kamra did not name Shinde during his performance at 'The Habitat Comedy', he indirectly made these jibes at the Shiv Sena leader through a parody of the song 'Dil To Pagal Hai'.

The reference was about switching parties and taking leaders along, which was hinted at the 2022 party split.

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