Comedian Kamra appears before Maharashtra council panel over remarks on Shinde

Stand‑up comedian Kunal Kamra appeared on Tuesday before the Maharashtra Legislative Council’s Privileges Committee in connection with allegations that he made derogatory remarks against Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde . The proceedings were adjourned and rescheduled to March 10 at 4 PM after the main complainant, BJP leader Pravin Darekar , failed to attend, committee chairperson Prasad Lad said.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare also appeared before the panel. Both Kamra and Andhare later told reporters that their statements were not recorded on Tuesday because the complainant was absent. Kamra said he felt safe despite earlier warnings from some Shiv Sena members, who had threatened him with “dire consequences” if he visited Mumbai.

Lad said Kamra told the committee he was ready to give his statement, but it would be inappropriate to do so without the complainant present. It was agreed that statements from both sides would be recorded on March 10.

The controversy stems from a parody performance last year in which Kamra used a modified version of a song from the film Dil To Pagal Hai to comment on Shinde’s 2022 rebellion against former Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray . Although Kamra did not name Shinde directly, he was widely seen as referring to him as a “traitor,” provoking sharp political backlash.Following the performance at the Unicontinental Mumbai hotel in the Khar area, a group of Shiv Sena workers reportedly vandalised the venue and its office, highlighting the intensity of local political sentiments.

The privilege proceedings were initiated after Darekar moved a breach of privilege notice against Kamra and Andhare in March 2025 , alleging that their remarks insulted Shinde, a leader of the BJP‑aligned Mahayuti alliance. Separate notices were also issued to Andhare for supporting Kamra and to others over related remarks, underlining the broader political context of the dispute.

Kamra has repeatedly denied seeking adjournments in the case. In a recent statement on social media, he said he had confirmed his appearance for an earlier hearing and that any postponement was not at his request, asserting his willingness to cooperate with the panel.

The case also has a legal dimension : last year the Bombay High Court granted interim protection against arrest in an FIR related to the same parody, after Kamra sought anticipatory bail. Critics of the privilege action have raised concerns about freedom of expression in political satire, even as supporters of the motion argue legislators’ dignity must be upheld.Kamra, known for his outspoken anti‑establishment comedy, has faced multiple controversies over his political satire, and this latest development adds to his complex interactions with legal and political institutions in India.