Veteran actress and Rajya Sabha MP Jaya Bachchan has come out strongly in defense of stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, amid the controversy surrounding his recent performance that triggered political backlash and vandalism.
Kamra, known for his political satire, came under fire after a segment from his latest show went viral. The clip, part of his special Naya Bharat, allegedly mocked Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, prompting outrage from the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) youth wing.
The situation escalated when members of the group stormed the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai, disrupted the live performance, and vandalized the stage.
Speaking to reporters at Parliament, Jaya Bachchan questioned the increasing clampdown on dissent and freedom of expression.
“If there’s a restriction on speaking, what will become of you? You’re already in a difficult situation. Now they’ll tell you what to speak on, and what not to ask. Where is the freedom of speech?”
she asked pointedly.
She didn’t stop there. Hitting out at political hypocrisy and the selective outrage seen in today’s environment, Bachchan added:
“There’s freedom only when there’s chaos—beat up the opposition, commit crimes against women, murder people. And you (Eknath Shinde) left your real party just for power. Isn’t that an insult to Balasaheb?”
Meanwhile, police at Khar police station confirmed that FIRs have been registered—both against Kunal Kamra for his comments and against the Shiv Sena youth members for vandalism.
Sub-Inspector Vijay from Khar Police stated that the incident was in direct response to Kamra’s satirical performance. Despite the backlash, Kamra has said he will not apologize.
