'Traitor' remark: won't apologise, reiterates comedian Kunal Kamra

Mumbai: Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, who allegedly called Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde ‘traitor’, reiterated late on Monday that he would not apologise for his comment despite getting threats.

He said, “I don’t fear this mob, and I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down.”

The controversy erupted after Kamra sang a parody song in his latest special, Naya Bharat, referencing Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a ‘gaddar’ (traitor), The News Minute reported.

In his post on X, Kamra said,“ I will not apologise. What I said is exactly what Mr Ajit Pawar (first DCM) said about Mr Eknath Shinde (second DCM). To the political elders threatening to teach me a lesson, Our right to freedom of speech and expression is not only used routinely to fawn over the powerful and rich, even though today’s media would have us believe otherwise. Your inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not change the nature of my right. As far as I know, it is not against the law to poke fun at our leaders and the circus that is our political system.”

He further said, "However, I am willing to cooperate with the police and courts for any lawful action taken against me. But will the law be fairly and equally deployed against those who have decided that vandalism is the appropriate response to being offended by a joke? And against the unelected members of the BMC, who have arrived today at Habitat without prior notice and tore the place down with hammers? Perhaps for my next venue, I will opt for Elphinstone bridge, or any other structure in Mumbai that’s in need of speedy demolition.”

“To the mob that decided that Habitat should not stand. An entertainment venue is merely a platform. A space for all sorts of shows. Habitat (or any other venue) is not responsible for my comedy, nor does it have any power or control over what I say or do. Neither does any political party. Attacking a venue for a comedian’s words is senseless as overturning a lorry carrying tomatoes because you did not like the butter chicken you were served,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police on Tuesday issued a summons to the stand-up comedian to remain present and record his statement in a case registered against him in connection with his statement against Eknath Shinde. Police sources said that a team from Khar police station delivered the summons to Kamra’s residence in the city where his parents live. Sources said that as the comedian is out of Mumbai, the police have sent a summons to his WhatsApp.

According to TNM, Police have charged Kamra under Sections 353 (1) [publishing or circulating false information through electronic means], 353 (2) [publishing false information with intent to promote hatred], and 356 (2) [defamation].

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone 9, Dixit Gedam, said two offences have been registered at Khar police station. One is against Kamra over derogatory comments, while the other is against people who vandalised the Unicontinental hotel where the shoot of Kamra’s comedy show took place. He further added that the investigation is underway, IANS reported.

Shiv Sena legislator Mangesh Kudalkar also filed a complaint against Kamra in the Kurla Nehrunagar police station on Monday and urged the police to register a case.