Mumbai: Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has defended his remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, asserting that it is 'not against the law to poke fun at our leaders'. In a lengthy statement on X, Kamra stated that the 'inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not change' the nature of his right.

Addressing the backlash resulting from his recent YouTube video, Kamra emphasised that entertainment venues are simply platforms and should not be held ‘responsible’ for a comedian's content.

The Shiv Sena workers vandalised the habitat centre in Mumbai after Kamra's remarks about Eknath Shinde on Sunday.

"An entertainment venue is merely a platform. A space for all sorts of shows. Habitat (or any other venue) is not responsible for my comedy, nor does it have any power or control over what I say or do. Neither does any political party. Attacking a venue for a comedian's words is as senseless as overturning a lorry carrying tomatoes, because you didn't like the butter chicken you were served", Kunal Kamra's statement read.

Kunal Kamra also replied to political leaders 'threatening' him to teach a lesson in his official statement.

"Our right to freedom of speech and expression is not only to be used to fawn over the powerful and rich even though today's media would have us believe otherwise. Your inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not change the nature of my right. As far as I know, it is not against the law to poke fun at our leaders and the circus that is our political system", Kunal Kamra's statement added.

Kamra emphasised that he is 'willing' to cooperate with police officials and authorities for any lawful actions taken against him. However, he also questioned whether 'the law will be fairly and equally deployed against those who have decided that vandalism is the appropriate response to being offended by a joke.'

"However, I am willing to co-operate with the police and courts for any lawful action taken against me. But will the law be fairly and equally deployed against those who have decided that vandalism is the appropriate response to being offended by a joke? And against the unelected members of the BMC, who have arrived today at Habitat, without prior notice, and tore the place down with hammers? Perhaps for my next venue, I will opt for Elphinstone bridge, or any other structure in Mumbai that's in need of speedy demolition", the statement added.

Furthermore, Kunal Kamra said that he would not 'apologise' for his remarks and that he does not fear any 'mob'.

"To those who are busy leaking my number or calling me incessantly: I am sure you've realised by now that all unknown calls go to my voicemail, where you will be subjected to the very song that you hate. To the media faithfully reporting this circus: Remember that press freedom in India ranks at 159. I will not apologise. What I said is exactly what Mr. Ajit Pawar (1st deputy CM) said about Mr. Eknath Shinde (2nd Deputy CM). I don't fear this mob & I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down", the statement read.

ANI