Kunal Kamra. File pic
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sudhir Mungantiwar launched an attack on stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra over his remarks on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. According to ANI, Mungantiwar stated that the police should arrest Kamra and "make his life a comedy."
"The police should catch him and make his life a comedy. You cannot say anything in the name of Freedom of Speech... Everybody has the right to self-respect... Ketki Chitale was in jail for 30 days... The opposition has no right to school us," Mungantiwar told ANI.
Kamra had earlier on Thursday criticised the mainstream media, accusing it of functioning as a propaganda tool for the ruling party. Taking to social media, he condemned the media's role in spreading misinformation and diverting attention from significant national issues.
"To all those hounding for a quote - The mainstream media at this point is nothing but a miscommunication arm of the ruling party. They are vultures who report on issues that don't matter to the people of this country. If they all shut shop from tomorrow till eternity, they will be doing a favour to the country, its people, and their own children," Kamra posted on X.
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Meanwhile, Mumbai Police have issued a second summon to Kamra, rejecting his request for an extension. ANI reports that Kamra failed to appear on the first scheduled date, and his lawyer had sought a week's time. However, after he failed to present himself, the Mumbai Police consulted legal experts and issued a new date for his appearance.
According to ANI, the Mumbai Police are investigating allegations that Kamra, before his remarks on Eknath Shinde, had also made satirical comments about various other public figures, including politicians, actors and sportspersons. Officials stated that if the investigation finds a pattern of repeated satirical remarks targeting prominent individuals, further action could be taken against him.
While Kamra's lawyer has contacted the authorities regarding the summons, the comedian himself has yet to establish direct communication with police officials. The case continues to draw attention amid ongoing debates on free speech and political satire in India.
(With inputs from ANI)
