Comedian Kunal Kamra’s Joke Sparks Political Backlash: BJP Calls Him ‘Mad’, SS(UBT) Criticizes Maharashtra Government for 'Jungle Raj'
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Synopsis
Comedian Kunal Kamra has stirred up controversy by allegedly calling Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde a 'traitor', leading to fierce political reactions, including a harsh rebuke from BJP leaders and a defense from Shiv Sena leaders, highlighting tensions around freedom of expression and personal attacks in comedy.
Key Takeaways
- Kunal Kamra's performance ignited political backlash.
- BJP leaders condemned his remarks as mad.
- Shiv Sena leaders defended Kamra, criticizing attacks on artists.
- Maharashtra CM emphasized limits on freedom of speech.
- Violence erupted at Kamra's show venue.
Mumbai, March 24 (NationPress) Comedian Kunal Kamra has ignited controversy once again following his recent performance where he allegedly referred to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a "traitor".
This remark quickly provoked a flurry of responses from various politicians.
BJP leader Kripashankar Singh vehemently criticized Kamra's statement, labeling him "mad" for such comments.
Singh even suggested the establishment of a mental asylum for individuals like Kamra, asserting that such persons should not be permitted to express their thoughts freely.
Speaking to IANS, Kripashankar Singh stated, "How long will he keep talking like this? Comedians should not target people or individuals personally. If you want to do comedy, do it, but how can you comment on a person like this? It's madness in the name of comedy. He is not doing it for fame; he is just creating chaos. It is wrong."
Bhaskar Jadhav, a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, defended Kunal Kamra, asserting, "Kunal Kamra, who has even created a song, is a comedian and an artist. When it comes to comedians like Kapil Sharma who make fun of politicians, joke on various issues, and make comments. But now, every party is attacking such artists, destroying their offices and studios. Is this the rule of law, or is it jungle raj?"
He further criticized those in power for their personal attacks.
"Those in power make all kinds of personal comments—about someone's character or family—spreading false and harmful statements. If you're in power, you can say whatever you want, but if an artist or comedian comments against you, they are attacked. The problem is that those in power believe they can say anything, but no one should say anything about them. This is the result of this mentality. Kunal Kamra is a comedian, and an artist, and many other such artists make comments. So, will you go after all of them?"
The controversy escalated when Kamra's comedy show on Sunday, which included the contentious remark about Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, led to an attack on the venue where he was performing. Supporters of the Shiv Sena vandalized the studio in Khar, Mumbai, and issued threats against the comedian. The situation intensified quickly, with tensions running high as Kamra's remarks permeated public discourse.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also commented on the issue, taking a firm stance on the matter of freedom of expression.
Fadnavis acknowledged that while freedom of speech is crucial, it comes with certain limitations. "You cannot insult people. While we appreciate comedy and satire, there is a line that should not be crossed. If someone is using comedy to insult others or take personal jabs, there will be consequences," Fadnavis stated, adding that those who overstep these boundaries would not be spared.
"We will not tolerate this and will take appropriate action to teach them a lesson," he added.
