Key Points:
- Maharashtra Legislative Council accepts breach of privilege notice against comedian Kunal Kamra and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare.
- Kamra’s parody song targeting Deputy CM Eknath Shinde sparks outrage, leading to vandalism at a Mumbai comedy club.
- BJP MLC Pravin Darekar claims Kamra and Andhare disrespected legislative institutions.
Mumbai: Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra finds himself in legal trouble after the Maharashtra Legislative Council admitted a breach of privilege notice against him for allegedly insulting Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The controversy stems from Kamra’s recent performance at the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai’s Khar, where he performed a parody song referring to Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor). The act has triggered political uproar, vandalism, and legal proceedings.
Privilege Notice Accepted
Maharashtra Legislative Council Chairman Ram Shinde confirmed on Thursday that the privilege notice moved by BJP MLC Pravin Darekar has been accepted and forwarded to the Privileges Committee. The notice also names Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare, who allegedly supported Kamra’s remarks during the performance.
According to Darekar, Kamra’s parody song included personal and derogatory comments about Shinde, while Andhare used objectionable language, amounting to contempt of the House. Both have been accused of disrespecting the dignity of legislative institutions.
Political Fallout
Kamra’s performance has sparked outrage among supporters of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction. On Sunday night, party workers vandalized the Habitat Comedy Club and the hotel where it is located. The police have since booked Kamra under defamation charges based on a complaint filed by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel.
State Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai demanded Kamra’s immediate arrest, warning that party workers’ patience should not be tested. “We know how to drag him out from wherever he is hiding,” Desai said, using strong language to convey his displeasure.
Sushma Andhare Also Under Fire
In addition to supporting Kamra’s performance, Sushma Andhare faces a separate breach of privilege notice in the state assembly for allegedly mocking Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Shiv Sena MLA Ramesh Bornare moved this notice, supported by Minister of State for Finance Ashish Jaiswal.
What Happens Next?
The Privileges Committee, chaired by BJP MLC Prasad Lad, will review the complaints and decide on further action. If the committee finds merit in the allegations, the motion may be brought for discussion in the House. Potential outcomes include an apology from those found guilty or other sanctions as per legislative rules.
Kamra Remains Defiant
Despite mounting legal troubles and public backlash, Kamra has refused to apologize for his remarks. In a statement, he asserted his right to freedom of expression but acknowledged that satire must have limits. Meanwhile, he responded to the vandalism with another parody video titled Hum Honge Kangal (We Will Be Paupers), mocking his critics and highlighting political issues.
This controversy underscores the growing tensions between political satire and political sensitivities in India, with both sides fiercely defending their positions.
