Comedian Kunal Kamra has responded to the Mumbai Police summons regarding his controversial remark calling Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde a “traitor” (gaddar), requesting a week’s time through his lawyer. The summon was issued just hours before Shiv Sena workers vandalized The Habitat comedy club in Mumbai, where Kamra had performed his stand-up special, Naya Bharat.
Kunal Kamra Criticizes Shiv Sena in Satirical Song
Following the incident, Kamra took to social media to mock the vandalism, sharing a parody version of the song Hum Honge Kamyab, reworked as Hum Honge Kangal (We Will Be Bankrupt). The video juxtaposed visuals from his stand-up special with clips of Shiv Sena workers smashing chairs and damaging property at the venue.
The lyrics of the parody included lines such as:
“Hum honge kangal ek din, mann mein hai andhvishwas, desh ka satyanash” (We will be poor one day, there is blind faith in the heart, the country is heading towards destruction).
Mumbai Police Summons and Political Reactions
Kamra, who resides in Puducherry, was summoned over his remarks about Eknath Shinde’s 2022 split from Shiv Sena, a party originally founded by Bal Thackeray. Despite the controversy, Kamra has refused to apologize.
Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, actor Kangana Ranaut, and Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath have all condemned Kamra’s statements. Meanwhile, Shinde responded to the controversy, stating:
“Freedom of expression exists; we understand satire, but there should be a limit.”
Shiv Sena Workers Attack The Habitat Comedy Club
Videos circulating on social media show Shiv Sena workers storming The Habitat, damaging property in retaliation for Kamra’s remarks. The attack on the comedy venue has sparked debates over freedom of speech and the increasing intolerance toward political satire in India.
What’s Next for Kunal Kamra?
As the comedian awaits his police questioning, the incident has ignited discussions on artistic freedom, political criticism, and the boundaries of satire in India. Kamra remains defiant, continuing to challenge political figures through his stand-up and social media posts.
