Kunal Kamra's satirical jabs stir political waters in Maharashtra

On a day when Mumbai Police issued a second summons to comedian Kunal Kamra for his remarks on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Kamra released another satirical song, this time targeting Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

The satirical rendition, based on the iconic "Hawa Hawai" song from the 1987 blockbuster 'Mr India,' was part of a comedy special recorded at the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai’s Khar about a month ago. Kamra shared this segment on YouTube on Sunday and, on Wednesday, reposted it with popcorn emojis.

Many interpreted this as a jab related to last year's controversy concerning GST (Goods and Services Tax) rates on cinema snacks.

In the video, Kamra critiques the government on several issues, including potholes, roadworks for Metro construction, and bridge collapses. He highlighted the disparity in tax contributions between corporate employees and the corporations themselves.

Referring to Nirmala Sitharaman with nicknames such as "sariwaali didi" and "Nirmala tai," he turned his comedic lens on the Finance Minister.

The second summons follows a case filed by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel against Kamra for another satirical piece based on ‘Bholi Si Surat’ from the 1997 hit 'Dil To Pagal Hai.'

In this performance, Kamra alluded to Mr. Shinde without naming him and referenced 'gaddar' (traitor), seemingly a nod to Shinde's 2022 political maneuver that fractured the Shiv Sena and aligned with the BJP, resulting in the Uddhav Thackeray-led government losing power in Maharashtra.

Although summoned by Mumbai Police on Tuesday, Kamra requested a week to comply. The police denied this and reiterated their summons on Wednesday.

Despite legal pressures, Kamra displayed defiance with a Tuesday post featuring Shiv Sena workers vandalizing the Habitat Comedy Club, set to another satirical tune.

Altering "Hum Honge Kamyaab" to "Hum Honge Kangaal," he accompanied the lyrics with visuals of the club being ransacked by Sena members.

The post also included a clip of Yuva Sena General Secretary Rahool Kanal, one of 12 Sena affiliates arrested for the vandalism. Kanal had earlier informed ANI that the incident was merely a "trailer," implying more was forthcoming.

In response, Mr. Shinde criticized Kamra and the Uddhav Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena, asserting that the electoral alliance between his Shiv Sena, the BJP, and Ajit Pawar's faction reflected the people's choice, definitively addressing who the "real" traitor was.

Speaking in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Shinde remarked, "You keep calling me 'gaddar, gaddar'; soon you will need to shut the 'daar' (door in Marathi) of your party."