The controversy surrounding stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra's contentious remarks on Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde continues. The fury of Shiv Sainiks over Kamra's critique of Shinde remains unabated. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Minister Shambhuraje Desai has issued a warning to Kamra.
Desai stated that Kunal Kamra has crossed boundaries. He's exceeded limits, especially with his video on Shinde, and has courted backlash. We're responding to his intentional provocations. Each day he releases a new video, deliberately attracting attention through such antics.
Desai further stated that initially, Kamra tarnished the image of Mr. Shinde, then Ms. Sitaraman, and even used inappropriate language for PM Modi. He even dared to comment on the Supreme Court. It's high time we Shiv Sainiks respond in our tongue. Though we are ministers, our loyalty as Shiv Sainiks prevails. Our patience has worn thin, and we will respond in kind.
He mentioned that Kamra, regardless of his hiding place, won't evade the inevitable. We promise to confront Kamra and give him a taste of his own medicine. Though constraints bind us now, Kamra must disclose his whereabouts for us to present due retribution.
Kunal Kamra, known for his wit and humor, shared a parody video on social media inspired by the Bollywood film
'Dil To Pagal Hai'
. Through this rendition, he sharply commented on Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, which the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) supporters didn't appreciate.
The video's virality triggered fiery responses from the Shinde faction leaders. Enraged Shiv Sainiks reacted with vandalism at Kamra's studio and a hotel in Mumbai's Khar district upon the video's release. Consequently, an FIR was filed against Kamra at the MIDC police station following a complaint by Shinde Sena MLA Muraji Patel.
Responding to Kunal Kamra's video, Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora tweeted that the humor mockingly targeted Eknath Shinde, a leader who rose from an auto driver to the CM of India's second-largest state. He noted the remarks reflected classist arrogance, as India increasingly distances itself from such elitism.
In contrast, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske warned Kamra that Shiv Sena workers would pursue him nationwide, even compelling him to flee India.
Post the comments by Kamra, BMC officials demolished part of Mumbai's Habitat Studio on Monday, where Kamra's controversial show, targeting Shinde, was recorded.
