Shiv Sena MP Dhairyasheel Sambhajirao Mane speaks in the Lok Sabha during the Budget Session of the Parliament, in New Delhi. File.
| Photo Credit: ANI
Amid a raging controversy over comic Kunal Kamra’s remarks on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Shiv Sena member Dhairyasheel Mane on Tuesday (March 25, 2025) demanded in the Lok Sabha that stand-up comedy platforms that promote hate speech and create tension in society should be banned.
Mr. Mane said that some people are running their political agenda through stand-up comedians.
Editorial | No country for comedy: On Kunal Kamra and Maharashtra
Participating in the discussion on Finance Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha, the Sena MP demanded that there should be some policy or framework wherein comedians can be allowed to criticise policies and not indulge in making personal remarks against individuals.
Without taking the name of Mr. Kamra, he said in the last two days, people would have seen on TV that “one joker whose mind is empty” is making irresponsible comments against Shiv Sena leader and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
“I demand that such platforms which promote hate speech or create tension in society should be banned,” Mr. Mane said.
Mr. Kamra kicked up a major political storm in Maharashtra for taking a jibe at Shiv Sena leader Shinde’s political career in his show.
The 36-year-old stand-up comedian had performed a parody of a popular Hindi song from the film “Dil Toh Pagal Hai,” apparently referring to Mr. Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor). He also joked about recent political developments in Maharashtra, including the Shiv Sena and NCP splits.
On Sunday night, Shiv Sena members damaged the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai’s Khar area, where Kamra’s show took place, as well as a hotel on whose premises the club is located.
An unfazed Mr. Kamra has said he will not apologise for his comments about Shinde and criticised the acts of vandalism.
Shinde has likened Mr. Kamra’s jibe at him to taking “supari” (contract) to speak against someone, and said there should be decorum while making a satire, otherwise “action causes a reaction”.
Freedom of speech is there, but there should be a limit, Shinde said on Monday reacting to Mr. Kamra’s comments.
Published – March 26, 2025 08:27 am IST