New Delhi: Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has refused to back down amidst a political firestorm triggered by his satirical remarks during a stand-up routine labeling Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde a “traitor.”
In the face of mounting political and legal threats, Kamra remains resolute: “I don’t fear this mob,” he declared.
Shinde responded to the controversy during an interview with BBC Marathi, distancing himself from the vandalism carried out by his party workers but defending their outrage.
Shinde stated, “Every action has a reaction,” suggesting that Kamra’s remarks provoked an inevitable response from his supporters.
Maharashtra’s MoS for Home, Yogesh Kadam, announced that the NDA government will investigate Kamra’s call records and bank statements to determine who might be behind his controversial remarks. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP condemned Kamra’s remarks in the Assembly, warning against defamatory statements disguised as satire.
Fadnavis criticised Kamra for taking liberties with constitutional rights and labeled him akin to “urban naxals”.
Uddhav Thackeray defends Kamra’s remarks
Uddhav Thackeray, leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), defended Kamra’s remarks as reflective of public sentiment. Thackeray accused Shinde’s faction – the “Gaddar Sena” – of orchestrating attacks on free speech and emphasised that calling a traitor a traitor is not inherently offensive.
In his first public statement following the uproar, Kamra categorically refused to apologise for his remarks, which were part of a comedy routine at Mumbai’s Habitat Studio. The comedian pointed to Shinde’s 2022 rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena-led government to become a chief minister with BJP’s help, referencing him as a “gaddar” (traitor) in a parody of a popular Hindi song.
The clip went viral, leading to violence and vandalism by Shiv Sena workers aligned with Shinde.
Kamra took aim at both the mob and politicians in his statement, asserting, “I will not apologise. I don’t fear this mob and I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down”.
He condemned the vandalism at Habitat Studio and criticised the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for demolishing parts of the venue under claims of unauthorised construction.
“Attacking a venue for a comedian’s words is as senseless as overturning a lorry carrying tomatoes because you didn’t like the butter chicken you were served,” Kamra quipped.
My Statement – pic.twitter.com/QZ6NchIcsM
— Kunal Kamra (@kunalkamra88) March 24, 2025
The stand-up comic, who has taken on Arnab Goswami and others in an earlier case, emphasised his right to free speech as protected by the Constitution, stating that satire is meant to hold power accountable.
“Your inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not change the nature of my right,” he declared. Kamra also questioned whether legal action would be equally applied against those who resorted to violence in response to his jokes.
While acknowledging the importance of freedom of expression, Shinde in an interview to BBC Marathi, accused Kamra of misusing it and acting on behalf of someone with an agenda. He added that satire should not cross into defamation or insult, emphasising that political leaders deserve respect even in criticism.
FIR against Kamra, Shiv Sena workers arrested but later released on bail
Mumbai Police registered an FIR against Kamra for defamation following complaints from Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel. Meanwhile, 40 Shiv Sena workers were booked for vandalising Habitat Studio, where Kamra’s act was recorded. Twelve Sena workers were arrested but later released on bail.
The BMC also sent officials to inspect Habitat Studio and demolished parts of it, citing unauthorized construction. Habitat Studio announced its temporary closure due to vandalism by Shiv Sena workers, stating they are “shocked, worried and extremely broken” by the events. The studio emphasised that artists are solely responsible for their content and sought guidance on how to protect performers’ rights while ensuring their own safety and property security.
