Mumbai police issue notice to comedian Kunal Kamra over remarks on Eknath Shinde
Mumbai, March 25 – Mumbai police have issued a notice to stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra over alleged derogatory remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, intensifying a political controversy in the state.
Kamra, 36, sparked backlash after performing a parody of a popular Hindi song, appearing to refer to Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor). His act also touched upon Maharashtra’s recent political shifts, including splits in the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
The controversy escalated late on Sunday when Shiv Sena members vandalized the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai’s Khar area, where Kamra’s performance took place. A hotel housing the club also suffered damage in the attack.
On Monday, the Maharashtra government demanded an apology from Kamra, describing his stand-up act as a “political contract act.” Officials also said they would review his call detail records and financial transactions to investigate possible political backing.
Kamra, known for his outspoken political satire, refused to apologise. In a statement released late on Monday, he said he was unafraid of the “mob” and pledged to cooperate with the police and courts in any lawful proceedings. The incident highlights rising tensions between artists and political figures in India, as the government faces criticism over crackdowns on dissenting voices in comedy and entertainment.
