Veteran actress and Samajwadi Party MP Jaya Bachchan voiced her opinion on the controversy surrounding stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, questioning the state of free speech in the country. Kunal recently faced backlash from the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) after mocking Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during a stand-up performance. His remarks led to protests, office vandalism, and demands for legal action.
Reacting to the issue, Jaya Bachchan criticised the selective nature of outrage and governance.
While interacting with media persons outside the Parliament on Monday (March 24), Jaya asked, "If such steps are being taken for saying something, then where is freedom of speech? There is only freedom of action when there's hooliganism and women are raped, where else?"
"When Shiv Sena (referring to the Shinde faction) left their original party, was that not an insult to Balasaheb Thackeray?" the veteran actress and politician further asked.
Kunal Kamra's latest controversy
Kunal recently sparked outrage after calling Shinde a 'traitor' during a comedy show, using the song Dil To Pagal Hai to mock him. Following the viral video, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) workers ransacked the office of The Unicontinental Mumbai in Khar West, Mumbai.
Complaints were filed at multiple police stations, with the party demanding Kunal's arrest and an apology. The party has also warned of further legal consequences if the comedian fails to retract his statement.
Amid the controversy, Kunal responded to the controversy surrounding his 'joke'. Amid strong backlash from the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and police complaints against him, he shared a post where he is seen holding a copy of the Constitution of India. He captioned the post, "The only way forward…" - a subtle yet pointed remark hinting at the ongoing debate about free speech.
In a new development, Mumbai Police registered FIR against 20 people, including Shinde Sena’s Rahool Kanal, for ransacking the Habitat Comedy Club.
