CM Fadnavis Demands Kunal Kamra Apology On Eknath Shinde Comments

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has strongly condemned stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra for his recent remarks targeting Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde . Kamra, in one of his satirical takes on politics, referred to Shinde as a "gaddar" (traitor) during a performance, sparking widespread outrage among supporters of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction.

Kunal Kamra Should Apologise  

Fadnavis, addressing the controversy, stated, “There is freedom to do stand-up comedy, but he cannot speak whatever he wants. The people of Maharashtra have decided who the traitor is. Kunal Kamra should apologise. 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. Kunal Kamra has posted the same red constitution book shown by Rahul Gandhi . Both of them have not read the Constitution. The Constitution allows us freedom of speech, but it has limitations. People have voted and supported us in the assembly elections in 2024. Those who were traitors were sent home by the people. The people showed those who insulted the mandate and ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray their place. One may create humour, but making derogatory statements cannot be accepted. One cannot encroach on others' freedom and ideology. This cannot be justified as "freedom of speech.”

The controversy stems from Kamra's parody of a popular Bollywood song, where he humorously criticised Shinde's political moves, including his 2022 rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray. The performance, which went viral online, led to protests and even vandalism at the venue where the show was performed. 

This incident has further deepened the political divide in Maharashtra, with leaders from various factions weighing in. While some have defended Kamra's right to free speech, others have called for strict action against him. The debate continues to dominate headlines, reflecting the charged political atmosphere in the state.

FIR Against Kunal Kamra  

The Mumbai police on Monday registered an FIR against stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra for allegedly making defamatory remarks during a show against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, an official said.

On Sunday night, Shiv Sena members damaged the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, where Kamra’s show with "gaddar" (traitor) jibe at Shinde was filmed, as well as a hotel in whose premises the club is located.

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The Habitat, where Kamra's show was held, is the same venue where the controversial 'India's Got Latent' show had been filmed.

After a video went viral showing Kamra allegedly using defamatory words against Shinde, Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel lodged a police complaint.

Based on the complaint, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered in the early hours of Monday against Kamra under various Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) actions, including 353(1)(b) (statements conducing to public mischief) and 356(2) (defamation), an official from MIDC police station said.