Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday defended stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, stating that his remarks were truthful and aligned with public sentiment. Amid the controversy over Kamra’s statements about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Thackeray asserted that calling a gaddar (traitor) a gaddar should not be considered an attack.
“I don’t think Kunal Kamra said anything wrong. Calling a gaddar a gaddar is not an attack on anyone. He has spoken the truth and expressed what people feel,” Thackeray said during a media interaction.
Reaffirming his support for Kamra’s freedom of expression, Thackeray urged people to listen to the full song from Kamra’s show. “There is no question of infringing on free speech when someone is stating the truth. Listen to the full song and make others listen to it too,” he added.
Taking a sharp jibe at the rival Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde, Thackeray remarked, “Eliminate ‘Satyamev Jayate’ and replace it with ‘Gaddamev Jayate’.”
He also distanced his faction from the vandalism at The Habitat Comedy Club, blaming it on the Shinde-led faction. “Shiv Sena (UBT) has nothing to do with this attack. This was done by the ‘Gaddar Sena.’ Those who have betrayal in their blood can never be true Shiv Sainiks,” Thackeray declared.
The controversy erupted after workers from the Shinde faction vandalized a Mumbai comedy venue on Sunday night, protesting against Kamra’s stand-up special, which allegedly contained derogatory remarks about Eknath Shinde.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned Kamra’s statements, arguing that such acts cannot be justified under “freedom of speech.” He emphasized that while stand-up comedy is allowed, it should not cross the line into making “unchecked statements.” Fadnavis further demanded an apology from Kamra.
“There is freedom to do stand-up comedy, but he cannot say whatever he wants. The people of Maharashtra have already decided who the real traitor is. Kunal Kamra should apologize. This will not be tolerated,” Fadnavis asserted.
He accused Kamra of deliberately defaming Shinde, stating, “Comedy is one thing, but using it as a tool for character assassination is unacceptable.”
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel has filed an FIR against Kamra and demanded that he apologize within two days, warning that otherwise, the comedian “will not be allowed to move freely in Mumbai.”
At the same time, an FIR has been registered against Shiv Sena Yuva Sena’s (Shinde faction) General Secretary Rahool Kanal and 19 others for allegedly vandalizing The Habitat venue. Mumbai Police have arrested 11 people in connection with the incident.
