Kunal Kamra's 'Constitution': A Response to Shiv Sena Protests
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Synopsis
Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra responds to Shiv Sena protests after calling Eknath Shinde a 'traitor' during his show. He shares a photo with the Constitution, emphasizing the need for constructive criticism amid backlash from Shiv Sena supporters who vandalized the venue.
Key Takeaways
- Kunal Kamra refers to Eknath Shinde as a “traitor”.
- Shiv Sena protests lead to vandalism of Hotel Unicontinental.
- Complaints filed against Kamra and Shiv Sena workers.
- Kanal emphasizes the importance of constructive criticism.
- Political tensions rise with legal actions and public statements.
Mumbai, March 24 (NationPress) In the midst of a heated debate following his labeling of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a “traitor” during his performance, stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra took to social media on Monday to post a picture of himself with a pocket-sized version of the Constitution, captioned “The only way forward”.
This action comes in response to significant backlash from the Shiv Sena, who not only protested against him but also vandalized the hotel where his show took place on Sunday. Complaints have been filed at multiple police stations.
Supporters of Shiv Sena damaged the Hotel Unicontinental in the Khar area of Mumbai, where Kamra's performance, which included the derogatory remark about Eknath Shinde, was captured. They are demanding that a formal complaint be lodged against him.
During his performance, Kunal Kamra quipped, “Meri nazar se tum dekho to gaddar nazar wo aaye. Haaye,” while mocking Eknath Shinde with a modified line from a song in “Dil To Pagal Hai”, which prompted laughter from the audience. He later shared a clip from the show on the social media platform X. Kamra referenced Eknath Shinde's rebellion in 2022, which resulted in the division of Shiv Sena into factions led by Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray.
The police have initiated action against Shiv Sena's social media in-charge Rahool Kanal along with 19 others related to the protest and vandalism. Kanal has also filed a criminal complaint against Kamra.
Kanal stated to the media, “The phone recording has been handed over to the Mumbai Police. We are residents of Mumbai. We are law-abiding people. We 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.”
He 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,” affirming that he would pursue the legal route. “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 expressed.
In response to Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut's praise for Kunal Kamra, Kanal remarked, “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, state Congress leader Sachin Sawant commented on X, stating, “A simple NC (non-cognisable offence) cannot be done based on action when an offence 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.”
