Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Sanjay Raut has defended comedian Kunal Kamra amid ongoing threats directed at him over his remarks against Eknath Shinde, the deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
Raut called Kamra “fearless” and added that the comedian will not be intimidated. He said, “Kunal Kamra is such a person… I have known him for many years. He is someone who can never be scared of threats, he will agree to die but will not bow down. Keep the threats to yourself; the government is there. It will be difficult for you also to walk on the path considering the threats you are giving; this is just a show of power."
The defense for Karma comes amidst a political row that was triggered when Kamra made controversial remarks against the Maharashtra Deputy CM. During his performance at the Habitat, Kamra, without naming Eknath Shinde, referred to him breaking away from the Shiv Sena to join hands with the BJP to form a government in the state. Kamra also said, “Meri nazar se tum dekho toh gaddar nazar woh aaye "(If you look at it from my perspective, you will see a traitor).
Following Kamra’s performance, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) workers vandalised Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, Mumbai where Kunal Kamra had made controversial remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister. This caused the club to close temporarily.In Thane, Maharashtra, members of Yuva Sena (youth wing of Shiv Sena) staged a protest against comedian Kunal Kamra and even burnt his photographs outside Wagle Estate Police Station, after his remarks against Maharashtra DCM Eknath Shinde,Despite the backlash, Raut defended Kamra, stating that even if one has an opinion on the matter, “wrecking and breaking property is not the correct way to manage the situation.”
