Bollywood actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut strongly criticized comedian Kunal Kamra for calling Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde a “Gaddar” (traitor). Kamra’s remark referred to Shinde’s defection from the Shiv Sena, which led to the formation of the current Maharashtra government.
Kangana Defends Shinde
Reacting to Kamra’s comment, Kangana defended Shinde and condemned the comedian’s mockery. While speaking to reporters outside Parliament on March 25, she expressed her disappointment.
She stated, “Whether you agree with someone or not, making fun of them, especially mocking an illegal incident that happened to me, is not right. I won’t compare that incident with this because that was illegal, while this is completely legal.”
Here, she referred to the 2020 demolition of her Mumbai office by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which followed her clash with the Shiv Sena-led government at the time.
#WATCH | On Kunal Kamra controversy, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut says, "…We should think where society is heading when someone does this only for 2 minutes of fame…You might be anyone, but insulting and defaming someone…A person for whom his/her respect is everything, and you… pic.twitter.com/2MBZdhebtd
— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2025
Praising Shinde’s Journey
Kangana went on to praise Shinde’s journey from humble beginnings. She emphasized his hard work and questioned those who mocked him.
She said, “Shinde ji once drove a rickshaw, and today, he has reached great heights on his own merit. But who are these people mocking him? What credentials do they have? What have they achieved in life?”
Kamra Faces Backlash
Meanwhile, Kamra, known for his sharp political satire, frequently criticizes the BJP and its allies. His remark calling Shinde a “Gaddar” aligned with Uddhav Thackeray’s faction, which has repeatedly accused Shinde of betraying the Shiv Sena.
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During his stand-up show in Mumbai, Kamra made the remark. As expected, the statement sparked controversy. While Shinde’s supporters condemned him, Kamra’s fans defended his right to free speech.
Political Tensions Rise
Soon after Kamra’s performance, tensions escalated. On March 23, Eknath Shinde’s supporters vandalized the venue where Kamra had performed. Additionally, Shiv Sena workers gathered at Khar Police Station to file complaints against him, while others approached the MIDC Police Station with similar demands.
Kamra Responds to Controversy
Despite the backlash, Kamra refused to apologize. Instead, he criticized those who resorted to violence.
He questioned, “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?”
Furthermore, he slammed BMC officials for tearing down parts of the venue. In a sarcastic remark, he said, “Perhaps for my next venue, I will opt for Elphinstone bridge, or any other structure in Mumbai that’s in need of speedy demolition.”
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Free Speech vs. Political Sensitivities
This incident has reignited debates on free speech and political intolerance. On one hand, supporters argue that comedians should be free to criticize political figures. On the other hand, critics believe that public leaders deserve a certain level of respect.
For now, the controversy remains unresolved. Neither side seems willing to back down.
