Kunal Kamra didn’t do anything wrong, voiced public opinion, says Uddhav Thackeray

Mumbai Youth Congress president Akhilesh Yadav says that the organisation will renovate and build the studio that was vandalised by Eknath Shinde led Shiv Sena workers. "We stand with every young person in the country who wants to express his or her thoughts. The action against Kunal Kamra and the studio is unjustified and if Devendra Fadnavis cannot handle the Law and order situation in the state, the he should resign immediately. Youth Congress will help and build the Habitat Studio was vandalised by the goons," said Akhilesh Yadav, Mumbai youth Congress chief.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde responded to comedian Kunal Kamra’s remarks and the violent actions of his party supporters condemning the misuse of freedom of expression, he accused Kamra of acting with an agenda. Shinde distanced himself from the vandalism carried out by his party cadre, emphasizing that while he does not support such actions, every accusation invites a reaction.

"Freedom of expression is important, but it should not be misused. Many writers engage in satire, but what happened today was an act of immorality, licentious behavior, and a hit job done for money. This same person has previously spoken against the Chief Justice, the Prime Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, and leading industrialists of this nation. He has clashed with journalists and has even been banned by airlines. This is not freedom of expression—it is speaking on behalf of someone with an agenda. I haven’t commented on this issue all day, and I won’t." Eknath Shinde said while speaking to a Marathi news channel.

On the vandalism carried out by his supporters, he said "I do not support vandalism. However, when making accusations, one must at least consider the level to which they are stooping. Every action has a reaction. I have immense patience and never react to anyone. Focusing on work and delivering justice to the people—this is what has led us to remarkable success."

The CPI(M) condemned the targeting of stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra and vandalism of Habitat studio and said it demonstrated that "mob violence is the only law" for BJP-led alliance regimes. In a post on X, the CPI(M) said, ""We strongly condemn the targeting of stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra and the vandalisation of the studio in which he performed by the ruling alliance goons in Maharashtra."

"Parts of the same studio have also reportedly been demolished by municipal authorities. The government has filed cases against Kamra in addition to threats and intimidation, which demonstrate that for BJP-led alliance regimes, mob violence is the only law," the Left party said.

Further, the CPIM said it stood with Kamra and his right to freedom of expression.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has carried out an inspection to identify unauthorised construction at the Habitat. The group of officials found a shed at the entryway of the venue that was erected illegally. The officials said the management of the venue pulled the shed down after the authorities pointed out it was erected illegally.

“We are analysing the building’s original blueprint with the current structure. The development plan rules state that the property owner needs to inform civic authorities whenever there’s an additional structure being erected. The shed was erected without our permission, and we had served them a notice, following which they removed it under our supervision,” said an official.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray came forth in support of Kunal Kamra saying he has not done anything wrong. Commenting on being targeted by the Shinde Sena, Thackeray said, “Kamra merely expressed his views. He stated the facts and voiced the public opinion."

“Kamra hasn't done anything wrong...These traitors don't see Solapurkar and Koratkar who insulted Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,” Thackeray said referring to the agitations in the state over the arrest of Nagpur-based journalist Prashant Koratkar and actor Rahul Solapurkar for their alleged objectionable remarks against Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The UBT chief also sought compensation for the damage caused at the venue of Kamra's show following its vandalism by Shinde Sena workers.

With PTI inputs

Speaking to media persons at the Parliament premises on the row involving Kunal Kamra, Jaya Bachchan questioned the limits placed on freedom of expression in the country. Reacting to the controversy and vandalism of the comedy club, the actor-turned-politician said, “If there is a restriction on speaking, what will become of you? You are anyway in a bad situation. There are restrictions on you. You would be told to speak just on this and nothing else, and told not to take Jaya Bachchan’s interview.”

She added, “Where is freedom of speech? There is freedom of action only when there is a ruckus – beat up the opposition, rape women, murder them. What else? You (Eknath Shinde) left your real party and formed another party for power. Isn’t that an insult of Balasaheb?”

As ruckus erupted in Maharashtra Legislative Assembly over Kunal Kamra's comedy show row, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, "Poetry and satire is welcome. But those who spread lies and defame for personal gains will invite action." Mumbai police has registered an FIR against Kamra.

After the Leader of Opposition Ambadas Danve slammed the ruling BJP over "deteriorating law and order" in the state following the ransacking of the Habitat Studio, Maharashtra Industries Minister Uday Samant hit back at the Opposition saying Kamra had joined Congress leader Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Yatra.

"What does it mean when the same Kamra insults our leader? Kamra had also insulted PM Narendra Modi, senior industrialists like Anand Mahindra and even the Supreme Court in his videos. "If Kamra passes similar remarks (targeting Shinde) against Danve or Uddhav Thackeray, we will set aside our political differences and defend you," Samant said.

With PTI inputs

The row over Kunal Kamra's jibe at Shiv Sena leader and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde figured in the Maharashtra Assembly as party members demanded strict action against the comedian. The House witnessed ruckus leading to brief adjournments. In the legislative council, legislators from the treasury and opposition benches were engaged in a heated exchange, following which the proceedings were adjourned for ten minutes, followed by 15 minutes, and then for half an hour.

Here's what the Opposition had to say:

Leader of the Opposition in the Council and Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Ambadas Danve referred to the ransacking of a recording studio in Khar by Shiv Sena workers to question the deteriorating law and order.

"Supporters of the ruling parties are creating a law and order situation in the state. They are disturbing social harmony. Why no action is taken against these people?" he asked. Danve said the opposition didn't support Kamra, but the freedom of expression must be respected. "We don't support Kamra. If he had erred, legal provisions could be moved against him," he said.

Minister of Transport of Maharashtra Pratap Sarnaik said on Monday that the FIR registered in the MIDC police station against Kunal Kamra has been transferred to Khar police station. He further added "I met the senior police officials and inquired about the progress in the probe. Kamra is not in Maharashtra. He has fled to Pondicherry. The police teams are coordinating with their counterparts in Pondicherry to trace and detain Kamra. I have demanded that Kamra should be arrested immediately and brought to Mumbai."

Mumbai police arrests 12 Shinde Sena members for vandalising Khar studio

"This is the new India under the rule of PM Modi where even if a comedy show is held then the venue will be vandalised with the support of the local police..."

We respect freedom of expression, but recklessness will not be tolerated: CM Fadnavis in Maharashtra assembly on Kunal Kamra case (PTI)

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said everyone should speak responsibly so that police do not need to intervene. "No one should go beyond the law and the Constitution. One should speak within limits. Differences of opinion may exist, but care must be taken to ensure that the police department does not have to intervene due to their statements," Mr Pawar told the media speaking outside the assembly house.

Speaking on the stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra controversy TMC MP Jaya Bachchan said , "If such steps are being taken on saying something then where is freedom of speech? There is only freedom of action when there's hooliganism and women are raped, where else? When Shiv Sena (referring to Shinde faction) left their original party was that not an insult to Balasaheb Thackeray?" (PTI)

CM and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis made a statement on Kamra.

"It is a serious issue. None of us are against freedom of speech. We support satire or even political satire and we do not paint it differently. We beleive in freedom of expression. But if it is going to anarchy, we won't accept it. Kamra in the past has targeted PM, CJI, Judges or judiciary. This person likes to create controversy to gain publicity. In this he targeted former CM Eknath Shinde and tried to make low level comedy. The people of Maharashtra in 2024 polls decided who is Gaddar and Khuddar. The people decided who belongs to the ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray. Is he bigge than people of Maharashtra?

How can certain people from opposition support him when Kamra is making statements against the tall leader like Shinde? Have you given contract to Kamra? Kamra has posted photo with Constitution used by Rahul Gandhi. But constitution does not give you right to insult anyone. But do not take contract. We will take action in such cases, there is no doubt. Do not blame us after this. We will not tolerate such instances. These people are trying to vitiate environment in Maharashtra.

We enjoy stand-up comedy. But not this. We will take strong action, irrespective. I feel, Left-liberal and urban naxals are the same. They insult institutions. We will take action against them."

Ruling Shiv Sena MLA Arjun Khotkar says that Freedom of Speech comes with certain restrictions and we condemn the statements made by Kunal Kamra. "Kamra also makes statements against Hindu deities and he can incite riots. He should be arrested. He has made comments on Supreme Court as well. He takes contract from other parties in the name of comedy and his handler should be probed. His handler will not come to light until he is jailed. His phone call records, funding should be probed and he is a druggist. I demand to Home Minister that Kamra should be arrested and IPS level officer should probe Kamra."

Ruling Shiv Sena and BJP gather in front of assembly speaker demanding Kamra's arrest.

Shiv Sena minister Shambhuraj Desai:

"Considering sensitive sentiments of members, the government approves it. Kamra has made objectionable comments against PM Modi and Supreme Court."

Speaker adjourns the house for five minutes.

Responding to comedian Kunal Kamra’s controversial remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “Everyone has a right to perform stand-up comedy. But freedom should not be unrestrained behaviour. Kamra should apologize for his behaviour. The insult of leaders cannot be tolerated. Action will be taken against him as per the law.” In the latest developments, Mumbai police have filed an FIR against Kamra over his controversial jibe during his stand-up comedy performance. Home Minister Yogesh Kadam confirmed that the police are actively working to trace Kamra in connection with the incident.

"Our Shiv Sainiks won't tolerate and spare anyone if our leader is being insulted or mocked. I am not justifying the vandalism as a minister but ultimately I am also Shiv Sainik first and all this happened because of the insulting remarks," Minister Pratap Sarnaik said.

In its latest developments in the fresh controversy, Mumbai police have filed an FIR against comedian Kunal Kamra following his controversial remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during a stand-up comedy show. Home Minister Yogesh Kadam has confirmed that police are actively working to trace Kamra in connection with the incident. The controversy escalated when over 35 Shiv Sena workers, angered by Kamra’s “gaddar” jibe, ransacked the Habitat Comedy Club and the hotel where the show was filmed. In response, the venue announced its temporary closure, stating they were reconsidering their responsibility following the vandalism. The police have also registered an FIR against the Shiv Sena workers involved.

Comedian Kunal Kamra’s comment against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during his performance in Mumbai sparked a political controversy with Shiv Sena leaders accusing him of running a “paid campaign” to tarnish Shinde’s image.

Hours after workers of the Shinde-led Sena ransacked the hotel where Kamra’s show with the “gaddar” (traitor) jibe at Shinde was recorded, party leader Murji Patel registered a First Information report (FIR) against the stand-up comedian in Mumbai’s MIDC Police Station.

Another Sena leader Rahul Kanal filed a police complaint against Kamra, Shine Sena (Udhhav Balasahab Thackeray) leaders Aaditya Thackeray and Sanjay Raut, and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi at the Khar police station. Maharashtra Minister Pratap Sarnaik said he would also file a police complaint.

“Did not know that you can RENT a comedian and use him as your PUPPET ?!?!. Or as a mere diversionary tactic . Kamra’s comment, “Meri nazar se tum dekho to gaddar nazar wo aaye,” is not comedy but its vulgarity. Obviously he does not know what it takes for an auto rickshaw driver to work his way with public support to emerge as a CM and DYCm of Maharashtra, with the popularity of Eknath Shinde. The cadre of Shivsena demands legal action against Kunal Kamra,” Sena leader Shaina NC said.

“Mindhe’s coward gang breaks the comedy show stage where comedian kunal kamra put out a song on eknath mindhe which was 100% true.Only an insecure coward would react to a song by someone. Btw law and order in the state? Another attempt to undermine the CM and Home Minister by eknath mindhe,” Aaditya Thackeray said in an X post. “Only an insecure coward would react…” he added.

Shinde Sena MP Milind Deora responded to Aaditya, saying, “Remember @KanganaTeam, Arnab Goswami, @thakkar_sameet? The list of those silenced for questioning you is long. Hypocrisy has a new address,” Sena MP Milind Deora responded to Aaditya.

Shiv Sena workers and media personnel stand outside Khar Police station where the Sena workers have been detained, in Mumbai on 24 March 2025.

(Express photo by Sankhadeep Banerjee)

Shiv Sainiks in Continental hotel on Sunday midnight

The complaint filed by Patel stated, “Kunal Kamra, during a stand-up comedy show at Continental Hotel, Khar, defamed our leader Eknath Shinde-ji by making derogatory statements about his moral conduct. He also created hatred between the two political parties by tarnishing the sentiments of our party and our rival political parties towards each other.”

In the video, Kamra is seen saying, “Shiv Sena first came out of the BJP, then Shiv Sena came out of Shiv Sena. NCP came out of NCP, now they have given nine buttons to one voter… Everyone got confused.”

Later, allegedly referring to Shinde’s defection from the undivided Shiv Sena in 2022, Kamra sang the lines of a popular song from the film Dil Toh Pagal Hai: “Thane ki rickshaw, chehre pe daadi, aankho me chashma haaye.. Ek jhalak dikhlaye kabhi Guwahati me chup jaaye…”

Opposition NCP-SP MLA Rohit Pawar weighed in on the controversy surrounding comedian Kunal Kamra, drawing a parallel with a similar incident from 2003. "In 2003, when a similar satirical comment was made on Chhagan Bhujbal, who was a deputy CM then, his workers had vandalized the studio. Taking moral responsibility for the workers' actions, Bhujbal had then submitted his resignation. Leaders should take these satirical comments lightly. It does not make them short. Eknath Shinde is a tall leader. Satire won't reduce his political stature," Pawar said, urging politicians to not take such comments personally.

"We have filed an FIR against Kunal Kamra for his comments against our leader and Maharashtra's DCM Eknath Shinde. We have demanded quick action against him. I want to tell him to apologise to Eknath Shinde within two days otherwise Shiv Sainiks will not let him move about freely in Mumbai. If he is seen anywhere in public, we will paint his face black... We will take up this issue in the assembly and request our state's home minister to order action against him as soon as possible", Murji Patel told ANI on Sunday.

The minister of state for home Yogesh Kadam said that, the police have swung into action to trace Kunal Kamra.

The MIDC police station in Mumbai registered a Zero FIR Monday against comedian Kunal Kamra for cracking an allegedly objectionable joke on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during a standup comedy show. The First Information Report (FIR) was lodged on the basis of a complaint by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel.

Kamra has been booked under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including 353(1)(b), 353(2) (statements conducing to public mischief), and 356(2) (defamation), an officer from MIDC police station said. The MIDC police will soon transfer the Zero FIR to the Khar police.

During the show, Kamra allegedly directed a jibe at Shinde, referring to him as a “gaddar (traitor)”. After a video clip of the remark went viral, nearly three dozen supporters of the Shiv Sena chief on Sunday ransacked the studio at the Unicontinental hotel in Khar where Kamra recorded the show.

Mumbai police have detained 20 Sena activists. As per the Khar's police suo- motto FIR against them, "In the studio, the activists were shouting slogans like Shiv Sena Zindabad. They went there and stopped the show. They also evicted the citizens there. They pushed and abused the employees working there. There was a large crowd there when they were asking people to leave the hotel. At that time, there was a crowd of activists including local leader Rahul Kanal.