Kunal Kamra-Eknath Shinde Controversy: BMC Takes Down Studio In The Middle Of Row Over ‘Traitor’ Comment

Mumbai: A row involving stand-up comic Kunal Kamra and Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has intensified after Kamra allegedly made defamatory comments about Shinde. The comedian, who is accused of having called Shinde a “gaddar” (traitor) during his recent show, has landed himself in the midst of a raging political controversy.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials started the demolition of the illegal structures at the Habitat Studio in Mumbai, where Kamra had filmed his controversial show. The studio was demolished following the controversy that was caused by Kamra’s statement during his stand-up show. The stand-up comedian performed a parody song, using the tune of “Dil To Pagal Hai,” and made a mention of Shinde’s 2022 switching sides from Shiv Sena. The term “gaddar” (traitor) used in the performance fueled angry reactions from Shiv Sena (Shinde group) leaders and followers, with MP Naresh Mhaske threatening Kamra that he will be “forced to leave India.”

Shiv Sena workers also vandalized Kamra’s show recording hotel and the Habitat Studio, in a development that has elicited universal condemnation. Kamra, who had been booked under an FIR at the Khar police station, is said to be in Pondicherry, according to a confirmation by Minister Pratap Sarnaik. Although Kamra has maintained a fairly low-key profile since the incident, he posted a photograph of himself cradling a copy of the Indian Constitution in his arms captioned, “The only way forward.”

Shiv Sena (UBT) Party Chief Uddhav Thackeray, in Kamra’s defense, said that the comedian had not done anything inappropriate. He said Kamra just made a statement and expressed facts. Thackeray asked why Kamra had so much enmity since there were no protests made against people who reputedly insulted Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, citing the recent controversy against journalists and actors for insulting the Maratha king.

Thackeray also called for compensation for the destruction done during Kamra’s show location vandalism. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also spoke up, stating that everybody can do stand-up comedy but Kamra’s actions cannot be justified. Fadnavis revealed that Kamra should apologize for insulting leaders and that such an act would not be accepted. He further stated that legal action would be taken against the comedian accordingly.

The controversy has brought into focus the boundaries of freedom of speech in India, with political leaders, media, and the public strongly divided on the issue. As the controversy rages on, the row over Kamra’s comment refuses to die down.