Kunal Kamra has spoken out after a political uproar over his ‘gaddar’ jibe directed at Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde during his recent performance at the Habitat in Mumbai. In a statement shared on social media, Kamra firmly stated that he would not apologise for his jokes. He also condemned the mob that vandalised the venue, declaring that he refuses to cower in fear or wait for the controversy to die down.
Addressing mobs, political leaders, and online trolls, Kamra stated that the venue should not be held accountable for his comedy, likening the attack on it to overturning a truck full of tomatoes because of dissatisfaction with a meal.
“Habitat 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,” Kamra wrote while addressing the mob that “decided that Habitat should not stand”.
“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,” Kamra defended his right to free speech, addressing political leaders “threatening to teach him a lesson”. Several Shiv Sena leaders have issued threats against him, with Sanjay Nirupam vowing to beat Kamra up today at 11 AM.
“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,” he further added.
He also said that he is willing to cooperate with the police and courts. However, he questioned whether the law would be applied fairly.
“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?”
He also remarked that he would select his next venue that is in need of demolition. “I will opt for Elphinstone Bridge, or any other structure in Mumbai that’s in need of speedy demolition.”
Elphinstone Bridge is set to close on April 10, as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) plans to demolish the 125-year-old structure. It will be replaced by a double-decker bridge as part of the Sewri-Worli Elevated Connector project.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) demolished several parts of Habitat, where stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra recorded his show. They were seen with big hammers in their hands at the venue.
He also sent a stern message to trolls. “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.”
Towards the end of his statement, he wrote, “I will not apologise. What I said is exactly what Mr Ajit Pawar (first deputy CM) said about Mr Eknath Shinde (second deputy CM).”
“I don’t fear this mob and I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down,” he ended his statement with these words.
An FIR has also been registered against Kunal Kamra at Khar Police Station in Mumbai. As per Maharashtra Minister Pratap Sarnaik, the comedian is currently in Pondicherry. The police have arrested Shiv Sena functionary Rahul Kanal and 11 others for vandalising Habitat.
Kamra, in his first reaction over the parody row, posted a picture of himself holding a copy of the Constitution of India and captioned it: “The only way forward.”
