Mumbai-based stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has refused to apologise after his recent remarks on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde led to vandalism at a performance venue and threats from political leaders. In a strongly worded statement, Kamra defended his right to free speech and criticised the violent reaction to his satire.

Kamra’s performance at The Habitat, a popular comedy venue in Mumbai’s Khar, sparked controversy after he alluded to Shinde as a “traitor” through a modified version of a Hindi film song. The reference was to Shinde’s 2022 rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray, which split the Shiv Sena. Though Kamra did not directly name Shinde, the video of his performance went viral, prompting outrage from Shinde’s supporters.

On Sunday, workers from the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) vandalised The Habitat, damaging property in response to Kamra’s comments. A first information report (FIR) was filed against Kamra based on a complaint by Shinde Sena MLA Murji Patel. The MLA demanded a public apology, warning that Kamra would face consequences if he did not comply. “If he is seen anywhere in public, we will paint his face black,” Patel threatened, adding that the matter would be raised in the Maharashtra Assembly.

In his statement, Kamra condemned the attack on The Habitat, arguing that a venue should not be held accountable for a comedian’s words. He likened the vandalism to “overturning a lorry carrying tomatoes because you didn’t like the butter chicken you were served.” Kamra asserted that his freedom of speech allowed him to critique political leaders and that he would not be intimidated by threats.

“I do not fear this mob, and I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down,” Kamra said. He also pointed out that his remarks about Shinde mirrored those made by Maharashtra’s first Deputy Chief Minister, Ajit Pawar. “What I said is exactly what Ajit Pawar said about Eknath Shinde,” Kamra added.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis criticised Kamra, saying that while stand-up comedy is allowed, it cannot be used to insult political leaders. “Freedom of speech has its limitations. People have voted for us in the 2024 elections, and those who were traitors were sent home by the people,” Fadnavis said. He accused Kamra of attempting to defame Shinde and demanded an apology.

Ajit Pawar, however, took a more balanced stance, stating that while there could be differences of opinion, no one should act outside the law. “There is no need for police involvement in such matters,” he said.

An FIR has also been registered against Shinde Sena’s youth wing general secretary Rahool Kanal and 19 others for vandalising The Habitat. Maharashtra’s Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Ramdas Kadam, assured that legal action would be taken against those responsible. “The Constitution provides freedom of speech but does not give anyone the right to insult those occupying Constitutional positions,” he stated.

Several opposition leaders have condemned the vandalism, arguing that attacking venues and silencing comedians sets a dangerous precedent. Congress leader Atul Londhe criticised the Shiv Sena’s response, stating, “If you are so bothered by stand-up comedy, then shut it down completely. Why are you so scared of remarks? This is against freedom of speech and the Constitution.”

Despite mounting pressure, Kamra remains defiant. Addressing those who have been calling him incessantly, he remarked, “All unknown calls go to my voicemail, where you will be subjected to the very song that you hate.” He also took a dig at media coverage of the controversy, reminding reporters that India ranks 159th in global press freedom.

Kunal Kamra’s full statement:

”

To the Mob That Decided That Habitat Should Not Stand:

An entertainment venue is merely a platform. A space for all sorts of shows. Habitat (or any other venue) is not responsible for my comedy, nor does it have any power or control over what I say or do.

Neither does any political party. Attacking a venue for a comedian’s words is as senseless as overturning a lorry carrying tomatoes, because you didn’t like the butter chicken you were served.

To the “Political Leaders” Threatening to Teach Me a Lesson:

Our right to freedom of speech and expression is not only to be used to fawn over the powerful and rich even though today’s media would have us believe otherwise. Your inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not change the nature of my right. As far as I know, it is not against the law to poke fun at our leaders and the circus that is our political system.

However, I am willing to co-operate with the police and courts for any lawful action taken against me.

But 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? And against the unelected members of the BMC, who have arrived today at Habitat, without prior notice, and tore the place down with hammers?

Perhaps for my next venue, I will opt for Elphinstone bridge, or any other structure in Mumbai that’s in need of speedy demolition.

To those who are busy leaking my number or calling me incessantly: I am sure you’ve realised by now that all unknown calls go to my voicemail, where you will be subjected to the very song that you hate.

To the media faithfully reporting this circus:

Remember that press freedom in India ranks at 159.

I will not apologise.

What I said is exactly what Mr. Ajit Pawar (Ist deputy CM) said about

Mr. Eknath Shinde (2nd Deputy CM)

I don’t fear this mob & I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down.”