Shinde criticism: breach of privilege notice against Kamra, comedian calls T-Series a stooge

The Maharashtra Assembly has moved a breach of privilege notice against stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) spokesperson Sushma Andhare over remarks made in Kamra’s latest YouTube special, while the comedian has lashed out at music label T-Series for restricting his video, accusing it of being a “stooge” over a copyright claim.

BJP MLA Pravin Darekar presented the motion in the legislative council, alleging that Kamra insulted Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde by calling him a “traitor” and that Andhare supported the remarks using objectionable language.

While the Assembly debated the motion, the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) vandalised The Habitat Studio in Mumbai’s Khar, where Kamra had recorded the performance, and issued threats of physical harm against him.

Meanwhile, Kamra has criticised T-Series for restricting the video, insisting that parody and satire fall under fair use and arguing that if his video is taken down, then every cover song or dance video should also be removed.

Kamra’s satirical performance, which targeted Shinde for his 2022 rebellion against former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, has triggered a political controversy, with the Maharashtra government demanding an apology and the police registering an FIR against him under sections related to publishing false information and defamation.

Despite facing legal action, Kamra has refused to apologise, asserting that he does not fear “the mob” and will not retreat in the face of threats.

Shinde, responding to the controversy, claimed that the people’s mandate had already determined who was a “gaddar” (traitor) and who was “khuddar” (self-respecting), indirectly dismissing Kamra’s joke while condemning vandalism.

However, he also alleged that the satire against him was akin to a “supari” (contract) to defame him, suggesting that the attack was orchestrated rather than mere comedy. The state government has also summoned Kamra for questioning, intensifying the legal pressure on the comedian.

As the political storm escalates, human rights group People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) has criticised the government’s stance, arguing that vigilante action against political satire undermines free speech.

PUCL condemned the vandalism at The Habitat and expressed concerns that the right to political satire is now “on a ventilator,” as satirists face threats, legal action, and destruction of performance venues for challenging those in power.

Amid this controversy, Kamra continues to defend his stand, maintaining that his work falls within the ambit of free expression and should not be suppressed under the pretext of political or copyright concerns.