Uddhav Thackeray, leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), expressed his support for standup comedian Kunal Kamra, stating that he has done nothing wrong. “Kamra simply shared his perspective. He presented the facts and articulated the sentiments of the public,” Thackeray told reporters at Vidhan Bhawan in south Mumbai on Monday.
During a performance, Kunal Kamra made a remark about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, allegedly labeling him a “traitor.” Following vandalism of the studio where Kamra’s show was recorded by the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), the video of his performance gained significant traction on social media.
“Kamra has not committed any wrongdoing… These traitors fail to acknowledge Solapurkar and Koratkar, who insulted Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” Thackeray remarked. He was alluding to protests across the state that demanded the arrest of Nagpur-based journalist Prashant Koratkar and actor Rahul Solapurkar for their purportedly objectionable comments regarding Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Charges Against Kamra, 11 Sena Leaders Detained
Kamra has been charged with defamation, and Mumbai Police have arrested 11 Shinde Sena leaders for vandalizing The Habitat, the studio where the show was recorded. An FIR against him was filed at the MIDC Police station in Mumbai by Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MLA Murji Patel.
The video has ignited significant backlash among Shiv Sena members, who are calling for a public apology. Kamra’s comments also ignited the government’s fury, as BMC officials were seen entering the studio premises to commence demolitions.
In response, Kunal Kamra posted a photo of himself holding a pocket-sized version of the Constitution of India on Monday. He wrote in a post on X, “The only way forward.”
Commotion in Maharashtra Assembly
The controversy surrounding Kunal Kamra’s comments caused a stir in both Houses of the Maharashtra legislature on Monday, resulting in brief adjournments.
The legislative assembly experienced uproar as Shiv Sena members insisted on strict action against the comedian for his “traitor” comment directed at Shinde.
Shiv Sena’s Arjun Khotkar raised the matter, receiving backing from Minister Shambhuraj Desai.
As members of the treasury benches stood up shouting slogans, Speaker Rahul Narwekar adjourned the session for five minutes just after noon.
In the legislative council, lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition sides were involved in a heated exchange, leading to multiple adjournments: first for ten minutes, then for fifteen, and finally for half an hour.
