Pramod Tiwari Supports Kunal Kamra Amid Shiv Sena Criticism

Synopsis

Congress leader Pramod Tiwari has defended Kunal Kamra following backlash from the Shiv Sena over a satirical video targeting Eknath Shinde. Tiwari criticized the government for attacking freedom of speech, while Shiv Sena leaders threatened Kamra, claiming he crossed the line. The confrontation highlights ongoing tensions surrounding political satire in India.

Key Takeaways

Pramod Tiwari defends Kunal Kamra against Shiv Sena backlash.
The government’s attack on freedom of speech is criticized.
Shiv Sena leaders threaten Kamra over his comedy.
Political satire is under threat in India.
Ongoing tensions surrounding comedian's freedom of expression.

New Delhi, March 24 (NationPress) Congress leader Pramod Tiwari has come to the defense of stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra following the backlash from the Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde over a satirical video believed to target him.

In response to the uproar, Tiwari claimed that the government is undermining freedom of speech and questioned Shinde's intense reaction, stating that no specific names were mentioned.

"This situation exemplifies the saying, 'the guilty mind speaks.' The one who is truly guilty is the one making the most noise. No names were referenced. Even if a name had been mentioned, those offended have the option to seek legal recourse," Tiwari conveyed to IANS.

Critically addressing Shinde’s faction for their aggressive actions, he continued, "As the Deputy Chief Minister and a former Chief Minister, will you resort to legal action or unleash chaos? Will you invade studios and cause destruction? The Constitution assures freedom of expression, yet you are suppressing it through brute force. This is a form of dictatorship and fascism."

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also criticized the Shinde faction, accusing them of stifling political satire and comedic expression.

"Prior to 2014, comedians like Kunal Kamra regularly engaged in political roasting and humor. It is disgraceful that you are demolishing the space for comedy in our nation simply because you disapprove of political satire. This is shameful," she remarked.

The video, shared by Kamra on his YouTube channel, has faced severe criticism from the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, with warnings of repercussions from its leaders.

Shiv Sena leader Nilesh Rane issued a direct threat, asserting, "If you wish to perform comedy, do so within your limitations. No one is hindering you. However, should you target our beliefs and leaders, and cross the line, we will not tolerate it. We will confront you wherever you are and ensure you face consequences."

Meanwhile, Arvind Sawant, a leader from Shiv Sena (UBT), dismissed the controversy, stating, "I am unfamiliar with him, have never met him, and whatever he expresses, let him. It’s all fabricated. Such occurrences are common. Despite the chaos, people continue to enjoy satire. However, the current law and order situation is deteriorating, and those in power are accountable for it."

Earlier today, activists from Shiv Sena stormed and vandalized the venue of Kamra’s performance at Mumbai’s Habitat Studio. The police later summoned the Shiv Sena members for questioning.

“If you view me through your perspective, I appear as a traitor. Alas,” Kunal Kamra remarked during his show.

He reportedly ridiculed Eknath Shinde with a modified rendition of a Hindi song from "Dil To Pagal Hai", prompting laughter from the audience.

The comedian later shared a clip of the performance on the social media platform X. Kunal Kamra seemed to reference Eknath Shinde's 2022 rebellion, which resulted in the division of Shiv Sena into the Shinde faction and the Uddhav Thackeray faction.