Comedian Kunal Kamra said he would not apologise after a performance apparently alluding to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde triggered a backlash. In a statement issued on March 24, 2025, Kamra wrote: “I don’t fear this mob and I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down.”
Full text of Kunal Kamra’s statement
Scroll.in reproduced the following statement, issued by Kamra on March 24, 2025:
“I will not apologise.
“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.
“I don’t fear this mob and I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down.”
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteSpecial offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.#1 Best Overall
Kamra also defended The Habitat’s independence from his material. The venue’s management said: “Artists are solely responsible for their views and creative choices.”
What prompted the statement?
Scroll.in reported that Kamra’s performance alluded to Shinde as a “traitor” without naming him. The Indian Express described it as a parody song connected to Shinde’s 2022 break with Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership, which precipitated a political crisis in Maharashtra. The reports summarize the allusion; they do not provide a verbatim transcript of the joke.
What happened after the performance?
Vandalism and arrests
After clips of the performance circulated, Scroll.in reported that Shiv Sena workers aligned with Shinde vandalised The Habitat. The report said 12 people had been arrested and around 20 unidentified people booked in the immediate aftermath in March 2025. Those are the counts reported at the time.
Complaint and FIR
Scroll.in reported an FIR based on a complaint by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel. The Indian Express said it was initially registered as a Zero FIR at MIDC Police Station and later transferred to Khar Police Station. These reports describe the initial police process, not a later legal finding or the current status of any proceedings.
Separate municipal action
Scroll.in also reported that Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation officials demolished structures at the hotel where The Habitat was located, citing alleged rule violations. The reported municipal action had a stated regulatory basis; it does not establish a legal judgment about Kamra’s speech or the dispute over the joke.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How political leaders responded
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called for Kamra to apologise and said: “The people of Maharashtra have decided who the traitor is.” Uddhav Thackeray defended Kamra, saying: “Calling a ‘traitor’ a ‘traitor’ is not an attack on anyone.” These were opposing political responses, not legal determinations.
Sources and date of this account
This account follows reporting published by Scroll.in on March 25, 2025, which reproduced Kamra’s statement, and The Indian Express on March 25, 2025, which reported on the performance context and initial police process. Those reports do not establish the later status or outcome of legal proceedings.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
