Kunal Kamra Summoned Again Over Modi Joke, Opposition Questions BJP's Stand

The political controversy surrounding stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has intensified as the Mumbai Police issued a second summons over his alleged remarks on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. While the BJP has remained silent on Kamra’s joke about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Opposition has called out the party for its selective outrage, questioning why his parody song has drawn a stronger reaction.

The Opposition has criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for remaining silent on Kunal Kamra’s joke about Prime Minister Narendra Modi while strongly reacting to his parody song. Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police has issued a second summons to the stand-up comedian over alleged derogatory remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.The 36-year-old stand-up comedian has been asked to appear before the investigating officer at Khar police station in suburban Mumbai in connection with a case filed based on a complaint by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel.

The police issued the first summons to Kunal Kamra on Tuesday, requesting his presence as the investigation into the defamation case against him commenced. According to sources cited by PTI, the comedian responded by requesting a week’s time to appear before the authorities. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve criticized the BJP on Wednesday for staying silent on Kunal Kamra’s direct jabs at Prime Minister Narendra Modi while reacting strongly to his parody song, which did not even mention Eknath Shinde by name. Speaking to reporters at the legislature complex after the Budget session, Danve, who serves as the Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, questioned the BJP’s selective response to the controversy.

“Kunal Kamra directly criticised Prime Minister Modi in his show, and the BJP took no offence. But the same party was outraged over a parody song that did not even name Shinde. It appears the BJP is using Shinde as a front to target Kamra.”

Kunal Kamra allegedly mocked Eknath Shinde’s political career, including his 2022 rebellion, through a parody song and jokes on Maharashtra’s political shifts. Following this, Shiv Sena members vandalized the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, leading to an FIR against Kamra and 40 Shiv Sena workers. Police arrested 12 individuals, including Shiv Sena functionary Rahul Kanal, but they were granted bail the same day.