Kunal Kamra Stages Rahul Gandhi Antic with Constitution Photo, Faces Backlash Online

Mumbai: Comedian Kunal Kamra has found himself in yet another controversy after sharing a photo with the Indian Constitution, staging an antic similar to Rahul Gandhi .

Amid massive backlash over his recent remarks on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde , where he referred to Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor), the controversial stand-up comic shared a photo on Monday, holding a pocket version of the Constitution of India.

The caption of the photo read: “The only way forward.”

‘Same Red Constitution Shown by Rahul Gandhi’: CM Devendra Fadnavis

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

The Chief Minister also demanded an apology from Kamra for defaming the Deputy CM, stating, “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.”

Further criticizing the comedian, Fadnavis pointed out that the red Constitution book shown by Kamra is similar to the one Rahul Gandhi held. He remarked that both of them have not read the Constitution, which grants freedom of speech with limitations.

“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 Chief Minister added.

Also Read: Comedian Kunal Kamra Booked for Defamatory Remarks Against Eknath Shinde

FIR Filed Against Kunal Kamra

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

Although Kamra did not name Shinde during his performance at ‘The Habitat Comedy’, he indirectly took a jibe at the Shiv Sena leader through a parody of the song ‘Dil To Pagal Hai’. The song referenced party-switching and taking leaders along- a clear jibe to the 2022 Shiv Sena split.

Kamra has been booked under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:  Section 353(1)(b) – Statements conducing to public mischief and section 356(2) – Defamation

Internet Finds Similarities Between Rahul Gandhi and Kunal Kamra

Netizens lambasted Kamra with memes and comments, comparing him and Rahul Gandhi. Several users pointed out that Rahul Gandhi also carried a similar red copy of the Constitution during his “Save the Constitution” campaign against the ruling party last year.

One user criticized Kamra, calling him a “Rahul Gandhi follower”, stating: “Yes, people have seen your real face… A Rahul Gandhi Chamcha.”

Another user shared a photo of Rahul Gandhi holding the same Constitution book and commented: “I know which Constitution you use!”

A third user questioned whether Rahul Gandhi’s party would support Kamra amid the controversy: “Will Rahul Gandhi’s party stand with you?”

Another comment accused Kamra of being biased, stating: “You were a biased person, and this is just karma for you, Kamra.”

A fourth user dismissed the act as repetitive, saying: “The same, tiring act.”

One final user suggested that Kamra should join the Congress party, writing: “The only way forward for you is to join the Congress party and help Rahul Gandhi in writing his deadly funny and stupid speeches.”

On Sunday night, Shiv Sena members vandalized The Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, where Kamra’s “gaddar” (traitor) jibe at Shinde was filmed. They also damaged a hotel within whose premises the club is located.

After a video went viral showing Kamra allegedly using defamatory language against Shinde, Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel filed a police complaint against the comedian.