Maharashtra Legislative Council Approves Privilege Notice Against Kunal Kamra
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Synopsis
The Maharashtra Legislative Council has accepted a breach of privilege notice against Kunal Kamra for his controversial remarks, forwarding it to the Privileges Committee. This follows backlash from his performance targeting Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, leading to vandalism at a comedy club.
Key Takeaways
- The Maharashtra Legislative Council accepted a notice against Kunal Kamra.
- The notice was prompted by Kamra's performance at Habitat Comedy Club.
- Shiv Sena supporters reacted violently to the performance.
- The Privileges Committee will decide the next steps regarding the notice.
- Kunal Kamra has refused to apologize for his actions.
Mumbai, March 27 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Legislative Council has officially accepted a notice regarding breach of privilege against stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra due to his 'traitor' remark, which has now been forwarded to the Privileges Committee, as stated by Upper House Chairman Ram Shinde.
The controversy arose from Kamra's recent performance at the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, where he delivered a parody song aimed at Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
This act incited a backlash from Shiv Sena supporters, leading to vandalism at both the club and the hotel hosting it last Sunday.
Shinde mentioned, “I have acknowledged the privilege breach notice against Kunal Kamra and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare, forwarding it to Privilege Committee chair Prasad Lad. The committee will determine the next steps regarding this motion.”
The motion was introduced on Wednesday by BJP MLC Pravin Darekar, who also holds the position of Leader of the House.
Darekar asserted, “Kunal Kamra's performance included personal insults directed at Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
He accused Sushma Andhare of endorsing the performance and using offensive language, which constitutes a contempt of the House.
According to Darekar, both Kamra and Andhare have “disregarded the dignity of legislative institutions through their statements.”
BJP MLC Prasad Lad, who was designated chairperson of the Privileges Committee last year, will now evaluate the notice along with other committee members. According to Legislative Council regulations, if the committee finds the complaint valid, the motion may be discussed in the House.
In a related development, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena MLA Ramesh Bornare lodged a breach of privilege notice in the state assembly against Sushma Andhare for allegedly mocking Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Minister of State for Finance Ashish Jaiswal expressed support for Bornare's notice. BJP leader Sudhir Mungantiwar called for the prompt naming of the assembly's privilege committee members. Presiding officer Sanjay Kelkar indicated that Speaker Rahul Narwekar would make a decision on the notice.
In the meantime, Kamra has declined to apologize, stating he will not “wait under the bed for the controversy to pass.”
Kamra has already been charged by Khar Police following a complaint from Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel for allegedly making defamatory remarks about Deputy Chief Minister Shinde.
Currently in Puducherry, as noted on his Instagram bio, Kamra has been requested to appear before authorities within a week.
The police have issued two summons to Kamra.
