Shiv Sena-Style Swagat Hoga’: Rahul Kanal to Kunal Kamra After Madras HC Order, Says ‘Not a Threat’

Shiv Sena-Style Swagat Hoga’: Shiv Sena's Yuva Sena (Shinde faction) general secretary Rahool Kanal issued a tough statement on stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra saying that he would receive a "Shiv Sena-style" welcome after his return from Tamil Nadu. This is notwithstanding all security he has procured from the latter state.

Kamra had received anticipatory bail from Madras High Court till April 7, following the filing of several FIRs against him for his satirical video that targeted Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Kanal said Kamra should face the law and not expect any special treatment.

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He emphasized that Yuva Sena members must visit the police station every Monday and Thursday as part of legal procedure: Kamra should do it as well.

While speaking to the media on Monday, Kanal said, “Following the procedure of law, (Shiv Sena) Yuva Sena members come to the police station for attendance every Monday and Thursday. We welcome the Court's verdict that gives him relief, but it is only until April 7. He should come and face the law... No matter what protection he has there (in Tamil Nadu), whenever he comes to Mumbai, he will be welcomed in a good 'Shiv Sena style'... It's not a threat. Mumbai has this culture of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' and he considers himself a guest here (in Mumbai) now...What is there to get scared of, he should face the law and follow the procedure.”

Receiving a notice on this, Kamra, who is facing multiple FIRs, sought one-week time to comply with the Khar police.

He is accused of creating mischief and defamation over his parody video referring to Shinde as a "gaddar" (traitor). Another FIR was lodged against him in Dombivli, after an earlier registering of a non-cognizable offense by a Shiv Sena functionary in Thane.

Shinde hit back at the controversy, stating Kamra's satire was akin to "taking a supari (contract)" and adding that "action brings reaction." He stated, "Freedom of speech is there. We understand satire. But there should be a limit."

The whole atmosphere heated up after Shinde-led Shiv Sena workers vandalized Habitat Studio, where the performance was held. As many as twelve party workers were arrested and cases were registered against forty others. Later, BMC approached the studio to demolish an alleged illegal construction, prompting the owners to request time for self-demolition.

In response, Habitat Studio distanced itself from Kamra’s statements, saying, “The Habitat is not involved in the making of the recent video of Kunal Kamra and does not endorse the views expressed by it.” The venue has temporarily shut down, citing security concerns.

The Maharashtra government has made a really hard stand with CM Devendra Fadnavis demanding an apology from Kamra. He claimed that the comedian is being bankrolled by the opposition, referring to the fact that Kamra uploaded a photo of him holding a red Constitution book just like Rahul Gandhi.

“When you attack the freedom of others, your freedom is restricted. If you insult people on constitutional posts to create disturbances by taking supari (contract) to get publicity, it will not be tolerated,” Fadnavis warned.

The protest against the ruling has also been echoed by opposition leaders, stating, “Kamra merely expressed his views. He stated the facts and voiced public opinion.” He accused the ruling side of selective outrage, asking why it did not find reason to take similar cognizance when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was insulted.

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Even now, Kamra has not apologized despite great pressures, stating, “I don’t fear the mob & I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down.” He says that his joke is quite similar to what Maharashtra's Deputy CM Ajit Pawar has said regarding Shinde.

There was a new non-cognizable case recorded in Wagale Police Station, Thane, against Kamra. The complaint was lodged by Yuva Sena's Rupesh Mishra, claiming that Kamra, during one of his shows, made a satirical number on Shinde. Kamra has been charged under Section 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

In the meantime, Kamra secured anticipatory bail till April 7, 2023, from the Madras high court. The comedian told the court that since 2021, he has been living in Villupuram, Tamil Nadu. The basis on which the court granted relief was because a valid reason was provided for immediate approach to the Maharashtra court.

The leader of the Shiv Sena party and the current Minister of Tourism in Maharashtra, Shambhuraj Desai has urged the police to take appropriate action by promptly arresting Kamra but with a hearty caution against testing the patience of the party workers.

“We have been asked by Shinde to observe restraint, that is why we are quiet. As Shiv Sena workers, we know how to drag him out from wherever he is hiding, but as ministers, we have some restrictions,” Desai remarked. He further warned, “Do not test our patience. Nab him from wherever he is and put him in a tyre and give him ‘prasad’.”

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