Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has stirred controversy after calling Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde a “traitor” during one of his performances.
The remark has sparked widespread outrage among Shiv Sena supporters, prompting the party to file a formal police complaint against the comedian.
The controversial statement reportedly came during Kamra’s recent stand-up act where he referred to Shinde’s 2022 political rebellion that led to the fall of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government. Kamra allegedly mocked Shinde’s defection, calling him a “traitor” who “backstabbed” his own party.
Terming the jibe highly objectionable and defamatory, Shiv Sena leaders loyal to Shinde condemned Kamra’s remarks. On Monday, the party filed a complaint at a Mumbai police station, demanding strict action against the comedian for insulting the Deputy CM and “hurting the sentiments of lakhs of Shiv Sainiks.”
Shiv Sena spokesperson (Shinde faction) said, “Freedom of speech does not give anyone the right to call an elected leader a traitor in a public forum. This is an attempt to defame and incite hatred against our leader.”
The police have acknowledged receiving the complaint and are likely to initiate a preliminary inquiry into the incident. Kamra, known for his political satire, has not responded to the controversy yet.
