Nirupam Warns Kamra: Apologize or Confront Shiv Sainik Backlash

Mumbai, Mar 24- Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam asked stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra to withdraw his remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and apologize, warning that doing nothing would enrage the party workers.

Speaking at a press conference, Nirupam added that Shiv Sainiks were angered and going out of their way to find Kamra so they could take revenge for his indecent remarks against Shinde.

He further stated that while Kamra is entitled to freedom of speech, Shiv Sainiks too are entitled to react to what they feel is abuse of this constitutional right.

FIR was filed on the same day by Mumbai police against Kamra for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Deputy CM Shinde during one of his acts, the officials said.

Besides that, some 40 Shiv Sena employees have been charged with vandalizing the Habitat Studio at Khar, Mumbai, where Kamra's show that contained an insulting remark about Shinde was taped, including a hotel affiliated with the studio.

Kamra had made a joke of Shinde by changing lines in a popular Hindi song in the film "Dil To Pagal Hai," which made the audience's ribs tick.

Nirupam accused Kamra of being scared to go to Mumbai. He remembered that Kamra had gone away from the city earlier due to criticism for his show and shifted to Gurgaon. He accused Kamra of if he stays there, they will find him there.

Also, Nirupam accused Kamra of being an "opposition dalal" of the INDIA coalition and being a part of the "Congress ecosystem."

He reiterated his call to Kamra to take back his comments and apologize, or get the wrath of Shiv Sainiks for having insulted Shinde, an elected member who has the people's mandate in the November 2024 assembly elections. 

Justifying the vandalism on the studio where Kamra's show is made, Nirupam added that the comedian could have been punished but where he has ended up is not known.

He also alleged that Kamra was bribed by Shiv Sena  leaders to shame Shinde.