Kunal Kamra Faces FIR After Calling Eknath Shinde a ‘Traitor,’ Sparks Shiv Sena Protests

Comedian Kunal Kamra has once again found himself at the center of controversy after a fresh video surfaced in which he addressed the backlash against his recent remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The video, uploaded on Tuesday, features snippets of protests against Kamra, along with excerpts from a song he performed during his stand-up act at Mumbai’s Habitat Studio.

Kamra’s remarks, made during a comedy show at the Unicontinental Hotel in Khar, referred to Eknath Shinde as a “traitor,” alluding to Shinde’s 2022 rebellion against then-Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. The comedian reinforced his statement with a song from a Hindi movie, a move that sparked outrage among Shiv Sena workers. The show’s footage, later uploaded to YouTube, further fueled tensions, prompting Sena supporters to retaliate. On Sunday night, a group of protesters vandalized the Habitat Studio, the venue where Kamra had performed.

Following the protest, Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel filed a complaint against Kamra, leading the Khar police to register an FIR against the comedian for allegedly making defamatory remarks against the Deputy CM. The incident has ignited a larger debate about the boundaries of political satire and freedom of expression in India, with many questioning whether comedians should be held legally accountable for their content.

Kamra, known for his sharp political humor, has faced legal challenges in the past for his outspoken views. While his supporters argue that comedy should not be censored, his critics, particularly those from the Shiv Sena, view his remarks as an attack on their leadership and legacy. The case now adds to the ongoing discourse on political dissent in India, with many awaiting further developments on how the authorities will handle the situation.