The Opposition has questioned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for remaining silent on comedian Kunal Kamra’s joke about Prime Minister Narendra Modi while reacting strongly to his parody song. Meanwhile, Mumbai Police have issued a second summons to the stand-up comedian over alleged derogatory remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Kamra, 36, has been asked to appear before investigators at Khar police station in Mumbai in connection with a complaint filed by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel.
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Second Summons Issued Amid Defamation Probe
The first summons was issued on Tuesday as police launched an investigation into a defamation case against Kamra. According to PTI sources, the comedian requested a week’s time to respond.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve criticized the BJP for its silence on Kamra’s jokes about PM Modi but strong reaction to the parody song.
“Kunal Kamra directly criticised Prime Minister Modi in his show, and the BJP took no offence. But the same party was outraged over a parody song that did not even name Shinde. It appears the BJP is using Shinde as a front to target Kamra,” Danve told reporters at the legislature complex after the Budget session.
Kamra’s Alleged Remarks on Shinde and Political Developments
The controversy stems from Kamra’s parody of a popular Hindi song from Dil To Pagal Hai, in which he seemingly referred to Shinde as a gaddar (traitor) without mentioning his name. The act allegedly mocked Shinde’s 2022 rebellion against then-Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, which led to the fall of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. Kamra also joked about the Shiv Sena and NCP splits in 2022 and 2023.
Shiv Sena Workers Vandalize Comedy Venue
On Sunday night, Shiv Sena members vandalized the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, where Kamra had performed, along with the hotel that hosted the venue.
Following a complaint from MLA Murji Patel, police registered an FIR against Kamra. Simultaneously, a case was also filed against 40 Shiv Sena workers linked to the vandalism. On Monday, police arrested Shiv Sena functionary Rahul Kanal and 11 others, who were later granted bail the same day.
The controversy continues to spark debates over political intolerance and freedom of expression in India.
