Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 26: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has voiced his support for stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, who is facing backlash over his satirical remarks allegedly aimed at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Raut stated that Kamra would never bow down to threats or intimidation.
“I don’t know who is threatening Kunal Kamra or why. I have known him for years, and he is not someone who gets scared easily. He won’t surrender (Jhukega Nahi). He would rather die than submit or fear threats. Those issuing threats will soon face difficulties themselves,” Raut told the media.
The controversy erupted after Kamra’s alleged “gaddar” (traitor) joke during a stand-up show. His remarks sparked outrage among political leaders, leading to protests and vandalism by Shiv Sena workers at Mumbai’s The Habitat comedy club, where Kamra had performed.
Responding to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s statement that freedom of expression should not be used to attack individuals and that legal action should be taken against those creating divisions, Raut said, “I agree with Yogi Ji that freedom of speech has its limits. But what did Kamra say? He didn’t take any names. He used satire to comment on a situation in Maharashtra. Many poets like Kumar Vishwas and Surendra Sharma use satire too. Vandalizing property in response to Kamra’s words is unjustified.”
Meanwhile, Deputy CM Ajit Pawar addressed the issue, stating that CM Devendra Fadnavis had already responded on behalf of the government and assured that legal action would be taken. CM Fadnavis, speaking in the state Assembly, took a firm stance, asserting that while humor and political satire are accepted, freedom of expression should not lead to “tyranny.”
“We appreciate satire, but we do not accept freedom of expression if it crosses the line. This artist makes controversial statements against the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice, trying to gain fame through controversy. He targeted Eknath Shinde with low-quality comedy,” Fadnavis said, emphasizing that the public will decide whether Shinde is a traitor or not.
Mumbai Police summoned Kamra for questioning on Tuesday, but he was reportedly not in the city. The case, initially filed by MIDC police, has been transferred to Khar police for further investigation.