Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has once again found himself at the center of controversy after calling Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde a traitor (Gaddar) during his ‘Naya Bharat’ performance at Mumbai’s Habitat Studio. His remarks triggered outrage among Shiv Sena leaders, leading to vandalism at the venue. So far, Mumbai Police have arrested 12 individuals, including Shiv Sena leader Rahul Kanal, in connection with the incident.
While Kamra now speaks about democracy and freedom of expression, his past actions reveal a selective and self-serving stance on these very principles. When political figures he disliked were targeted, he celebrated. Now that he finds himself under pressure, he suddenly invokes the Constitution.
As per India Today, following the backlash, Kamra issued a statement asserting his right to freedom of speech, stating that making jokes about political figures is not illegal and that he would not apologize for his comments. He argued that the right to free speech is not just meant for praising the powerful but also for holding them accountable through satire. While his stance may appear principled, it raises serious questions about his past reactions when others were targeted under similar circumstances.
When Kangana’s office was demolished, Kamra celebrated
In September 2020, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) demolished actress Kangana Ranaut’s office in Mumbai. The action was widely seen as political revenge for her criticism of the then Uddhav Thackeray-led Maharashtra government. Rather than condemning what many called an attack on freedom of speech and property rights, Kamra mocked Kangana. He ridiculed her through sarcastic posts and showed no sympathy for the misuse of power against an individual simply for voicing her opinions. His silence on constitutional values at that moment starkly contrasts with his current outcry.
When Arnab Goswami was arrested, Kamra mocked him
In November 2020, Republic TV editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami was arrested in an abetment-to-suicide case. The arrest was condemned as politically motivated and an attack on press freedom. However, instead of standing up against the misuse of state power, Kamra took a different approach. He openly mocked Arnab’s arrest, posting sarcastic tweets and celebrating his detention. His reaction showed no concern for the fundamental rights he now claims to defend. Kamra’s selective outrage was evident—when someone he despised was on the receiving end of state action, he cheered, rather than questioning the abuse of power.
Now, Kamra plays the victim and talks about the constitution
Fast forward to today, and Kamra finds himself in the middle of controversy after calling Eknath Shinde a traitor during his stand-up performance. In response, Shiv Sena leaders vandalized the Habitat Studio, leading to arrests, including that of Shiv Sena leader Rahul Kanal. Now, Kamra speaks of free speech, democracy, and constitutional rights, portraying himself as a victim of political intolerance. However, his past conduct raises serious doubts about his credibility. When others faced similar or worse situations, he was either silent or mocking them. His selective approach to free speech—defending it only when it suits him—exposes his hypocrisy.
A true advocate of free expression does not pick and choose whose rights to defend based on personal biases. Kamra’s track record shows that his commitment to constitutional values is not principled but opportunistic. When Kangana and Arnab faced state action, he was not only indifferent but actively celebrated it. Now, when he is in the spotlight, he suddenly remembers the importance of free speech. His latest statements ring hollow, revealing his hypocrisy in defending democratic principles only when it benefits him.
