Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, facing backlash over his remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, on Monday, shared an image of himself holding a pocket Constitution with the caption, ‘The only way forward’.
The post comes a day after Shiv Sena workers staged protests and vandalized Hotel Unicontinental in Mumbai’s Khar, where Kamra had filmed a segment mocking Shinde.
Multiple police complaints have been lodged against the comedian following the incident.
During his show, Kamra referred to Shinde as a ‘gaddar’ (traitor), using a twist on a line from the Hindi film ‘Dil To Pagal Hai’, drawing laughter from the crowd.
He also posted a clip of the moment on X, alluding to Shinde’s 2022 rebellion that split the Shiv Sena.
In response to the unrest, police have registered a case against Shiv Sena’s social media in-charge Rahool Kanal, and 19 others over the hotel vandalism.
Meanwhile, Kanal has also filed a criminal complaint against Kamra.
“The phone recording has been handed over to the Mumbai Police. We are residents of Mumbai. We are law-abiding people. Respect the Mumbai Police. We came here (at the police station) because they called us. This is the trailer, the picture is still pending. Someone has spoken a few words about our elders, our gods, whom we consider leaders, today, if some big man speaks tomorrow, we will also go to his house,” Kanal told reporters.
He further added, “Freedom of speech does not mean entering someone’s house, insulting the elders of the house, using abusive language. Criticism should be constructive. I come from an educated family. Freedom of speech should be used in the right place. Criticize in a constructive manner. It is our demand that Mumbai Police should register an FIR.”
“Shinde Saheb’s fans are in India. There are 16 cases pending against such a person (Kunal Kamra) who has used abusive language against the Prime Minister, Home Minister, Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. I cannot tolerate insulting my elders,” Kanal further noted.
Taking a dig at Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut for his support of Kamra, Kanal said, “I demand that Sanjay Raut also be made an accused. 34 minutes after Kunal Kamra tweeted, Sanjay Raut immediately tweeted about Kunal’s greatness. Will it work if you write about your elders like Kunal’s greatness? Answer politics with politics and actions. What kind of hypocrisy is this.”
Meanwhile, Congress leader Sachin Sawant criticized the police’s handling of the case.
Taking to X, Sachin Sawant posted, “A simple NC (non-cognizable offense) cannot be done based on action when an offense has been registered, it is actually a mockery of the law and the purpose is to scare the opponents. On the other hand, threats are openly issued by the ruling party. If the MahaYuti alliance makes different laws for those in power and those in opposition. Will it be a surprise.”
Also Read: FIR Registered Against Shiv Sena Yuva Sena Members Over Comedy Club Vandalism Amid Kunal Kamra Row
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