Kunal Kamra Defiant: “No Regrets, Will Apologise Only If Court Orders”
Comedian Kunal Kamra has made it clear—he won’t back down. In a statement to Mumbai Police, Kamra refused to express regret for his controversial ‘gaddar’ (traitor) remark, widely believed to target Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.
So, what’s the condition for an apology? “Only if the courts ask me to,” Kamra reportedly told investigators. This comes after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis demanded an apology, dismissing Kamra’s defense of free speech as “low-level comedy” that crossed the line.
The Drama Unfolds
- Studio Demolished: Shortly after Kamra’s police statement, Mumbai’s civic body bulldozed the studio where the show was filmed, citing “unauthorized construction.”
- Shiv Sena Workers Rampage: A day earlier, Shinde loyalists vandalized the same studio, hurling chairs and damaging property. All 11 accused were released on bail within hours.
- Kamra Fights Back: The comedian denied allegations of being “paid by the opposition” and even offered to let police scrutinize his finances.
Political Firestorm
Kamra’s ‘gaddar’ jab refers to Shinde’s 2022 rebellion that split Shiv Sena, toppling Uddhav Thackeray’s government. The BJP-backed Shinde faction now rules Maharashtra.
Opposition Reacts:
- Aaditya Thackeray (Uddhav’s son) called Shinde an “insecure coward.”
- Priyanka Chaturvedi (Sena MP) argued Kamra never named Shinde—so why the outrage? “If the joke hurt them, maybe there’s truth in it,” she quipped.
Meanwhile, multiple police complaints have been filed against Kamra, including one by Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik.
Studio Owners Distance Themselves
The venue, Habitat Studio, which also hosted India’s Got Talent, condemned the vandalism but clarified they “can’t control performers’ comments.” They’ve temporarily shut down, vowing to find a way to “support free speech without risking safety.”
Aamir Ahmad Fateh is a seasoned digital marketer and experienced news writer with over 7 years of expertise in covering political affairs, social issues, technology, sports, and Bollywood. He is the founder and chief editor of 24fnews.com, where he is dedicated to delivering accurate, unbiased, and timely news to a wide audience every day. His sharp insights and journalistic integrity make him a trusted voice in the digital news space.
