NEW DELHI: Comedian Kunal Kamra on Wednesday shared a segment from his recent standup performance “Naya Bharat” amid ongoing row over his remarks about Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde.
On the social platform X, Kamra shared a video, with emoji of popcorn, where he indirectly criticised Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, referring to her as ‘saree wali didi’ whilst performing a parody of Bollywood song “Hawa hawai.”
“Desh mein itni mehngai, sarkar ke saath hai aayi. Logon ki lootne kamai, saadi (saree) wali didi hai aayi. Salary churane yeh hai aayi, middle class dabane yeh hai aayi. Popcorn khilane yeh hai aayi, kehte hain isko—Nirmala Tai,” sang Kamra.
This appears to reference the GST Council’s decision regarding differential taxation of popcorn based on its sugar or spice content.
The finance minister had defended the move saying, “When popcorn is mixed with sugar (caramel popcorn), its essential character changes to that of a sugar confectionery, and would therefore attract 18 percent GST.”
What is the ongoing controversy?
The controversy erupted after comedian Kunal Kamra made a contentious ‘gaddar’ remark directed at Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Amid the uproar, an FIR was registered against Kamra in Thane district for allegedly defaming Eknath Shinde. The case, filed at Dombivli police station by a Shiv Sena functionary, charges Kamra under Section 356(2) (defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Despite the backlash, Kamra remained defiant. He issued a strong response on the same day as the vandalism, refusing to apologize. “I will not apologise,” he clarified in a post on X, taking aim at both the “mob and politicians” who were outraged by his jokes.
Our CM has said that action will be taken as per the law.” Devendra Fadnavis expressed firm opposition regarding stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra’s alleged derogatory comments about Eknath Shinde. Speaking at the state Assembly on Monday, he emphasized that the government would not tolerate freedom of expression if it resulted in oppressive behavior.
Eknath Shinde himself responded to the controversy, defending freedom of expression but warning against its misuse.
“Right to express is important in a democracy, but to say anything in the guise of it and on the instruction of somebody is wrong,” he said. “He said many things about PM Modi, CJI, FM Sitharaman, HM Shah. He has been saying such things. Many airlines have banned him. Who is behind him? I don’t worry, there have been many allegations against him. I don’t support the vandalism of the studio—that was due to the emotions of the party workers. This looks like a well-thought-out conspiracy.”
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