Mumbai: Kunal Kamra Refuses to Apologize Over Parody Song on Eknath Shinde, FIR Registered
Mumbai, 25th March 2025: Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has refused to apologize over his parody song that sparked controversy involving Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Kamra, in a statement released on social media late Monday night, asserted that his remarks were not fabricated but based on statements made by Ajit Pawar, the first Deputy CM of Maharashtra, about Shinde.
“I stand by what I said. This is exactly what Ajit Pawar had said about Eknath Shinde. I am not afraid of this crowd, and I will not hide under my bed waiting for this issue to die down,” Kamra stated.
FIR Filed Against Kunal Kamra; Authorities to Probe Call Records
The controversy erupted after a video of Kamra singing a parody song surfaced on March 23. The song’s lyrics referenced Shinde’s background, mentioning his past as an auto-rickshaw driver from Thane and his defection from Shiv Sena to form a government with the BJP and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction). The song also labeled Shinde as a turncoat and a traitor, triggering outrage among Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) workers.
An FIR was registered against Kamra on March 24, following which Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam announced in the state assembly that Kamra’s call recordings, Call Detail Records (CDR), and bank statements would be investigated to determine if anyone backed him financially for the parody.
Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) took action against Unicontinental Hotel, which was vandalized on Sunday night by Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) workers. A total of 40 party workers have been booked for the attack.
Political Reactions: BJP and Shinde Camp Demand Apology
The controversy has drawn sharp political reactions. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis condemned Kamra’s act, stating,
“Stand-up comedy has its freedom, but no one can say whatever they want. Kunal Kamra must apologize; this will not be tolerated.”
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar took a neutral stance, saying, “No one should act beyond the law and the Constitution. Everyone should express their views within limits. Differences of opinion can exist, but one must be mindful of legal boundaries.”
On the other hand, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray defended Kamra, stating, “I don’t think Kunal Kamra said anything wrong. Calling a ‘traitor’ a ‘traitor’ is not an attack on anyone.”
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut took a swipe at the ruling coalition, saying, “When Kunal wrote a satirical song on Maharashtra politics, the Shinde gang got angry. Devendra ji, you are a weak Home Minister!”
