Key Points:
- Comedian Kunal Kamra criticized Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, sparking political tensions.
- CM Devendra Fadnavis demanded an apology, but Kamra refused, citing freedom of expression.
- Kamra accused political leaders of intimidation and defended his right to satire.
Mumbai: Comedian Kunal Kamra has found himself at the center of a political storm after making remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The controversy escalated when Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called for Kamra to apologize, accusing him of insulting Shinde. However, Kamra has stood firm, refusing to back down and defending his right to freedom of expression.
In a detailed response posted on social media, Kamra addressed the backlash, stating that freedom of expression should not be limited to praising the powerful. “The leaders who threaten to teach me a lesson should remember that our right to freedom of expression is not reserved for flattering the rich and powerful,” he wrote. Kamra emphasized that mocking political leaders and the system is not against the law.
On Harassment and Leaked Phone Numbers
Kamra also revealed that his phone number had been leaked, leading to a barrage of calls. Responding to this, he said, “For those leaking my number or calling me incessantly, all unknown calls go straight to voicemail. There, you’ll hear the same song you hate.” Despite the harassment, Kamra made it clear that he would not apologize. He compared his remarks about Shinde to comments made earlier by politician Ajit Pawar.
Standing Firm Against Intimidation
The comedian declared that he would not be intimidated by threats or mob pressure. “I am not afraid of this mob and will not hide under my bed waiting for it to calm down,” he asserted. Kamra also defended performance venues like Habitat from being targeted over his statements, arguing that they are merely platforms for diverse shows and have no control over his comedy.
A Sharp Analogy
Kamra criticized attacks on venues hosting his performances as irrational. “Attacking a venue for a comedian’s words is as absurd as overturning a truck carrying tomatoes because you didn’t like the butter chicken served,” he quipped.
Despite the controversy, Kamra expressed his willingness to cooperate with legal proceedings but remained unapologetic about his comments. This incident has further fueled debates around freedom of speech and political satire in India.
