Mumbai: BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut has backed the demolition at the studio where comedian Kunal Kamra made controversial remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. She said the action was lawful and should not be compared to the demolition of her own home in 2020.
“What happened to me was illegal, but the action against Kunal Kamra is lawful. There is no comparison,” Ranaut told reporters.
The Controversy
Last week, Kamra referred to Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor) while performing at the Habitat Comedy Club. The remark was a reference to Shinde’s 2022 rebellion, which split the Shiv Sena.
On Sunday, Shiv Sena workers vandalized the comedy club and the hotel where it is located. The next day, the BMC demolished a temporary shed at the venue.
Ranaut’s Stand
Ranaut said mocking Shinde in the name of comedy was an insult to his struggles. She praised Shinde for rising from an auto driver to Chief Minister through hard work.
“What credentials does Kunal Kamra have? He hasn’t achieved anything significant,” she said.
She also criticized the trend of comedians mocking public figures for fame. “These so-called influencers need to think about the consequences,” she warned.
Kamra Refuses to Apologize
Despite calls for an apology from BJP leaders, Kamra remained defiant.
“I will not apologize. I don’t fear this mob and won’t hide under my bed,” he said.
Shinde Responds
Shinde compared Kamra’s joke to taking a “supari” (contract) to target someone.
“Freedom of speech exists, and we understand satire. But there should be a limit,” he said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Observer Odisha staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
