Mumbai: The controversy surrounding Kunal Kamra is refusing to subside as BJP legislator Pravin Darekar moved a breach of privilege notice against the stand-up comic and Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sushma Andhare on Wednesday in the Maharashtra Legislative Council.
“Kunal Kamra performed a song containing personal and insulting references to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Andhare supported the performance and used objectionable language, which amounts to contempt of the House,” Darekar said, while moving the notice in the Vidhan Parishad.
Council chairman Ram Shinde’s nod is required before the notice is presented to the privilege committee. If the panel approves the motion, then it will be presented in the House.
On Sunday, Kamra, on his YouTube page, had released a new show where he mocked Shinde and called him a ‘gaddar’ (traitor) without naming the deputy chief minister directly. This did not go down well with Shiv Sainiks, who vandalised the studio where the show was filmed
The comedian has been summoned by the Mumbai Police in connection with the FIR against him, But, he has sought a week’s time to appear. Kamra is currently in Tamil Nadu.
In related developments, Andhare released a statement questioning the move to bring the notice. “What have I done so that this motion is moved against us? Have I used objectionable language about anyone like abusing someone from the assembly/council?” the Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson said.
“Have I presented any misinformation? I need to know. So if you are going to move breach of privilege against me, then when will you do so against some other members who used obscene body language while speaking,” she said, without naming BJP MLC Chitra Wagh.
Meanwhile, Kamra took to ‘X’ to register his anger against T-Series who blocked his Youtube page and made it ineligible for monetisation on the issue of copyright.
“Parody & Satire comes under fair use Legally. I haven’t used the lyrics or the original instrumental of the song. If you take this video down every cover song/dance video can be taken down. Creators please take a note of it. Having said that every monopoly in India is nothing short of Mafia so please watch/download this special before it’s taken down (sic),” the comedian posted on ‘X’.
On Wednesday, Shiv Sena youth leader Rahool Kanal, the main accused who led the march to The Habitat studio and vandalised the studio, posted a cartoon and hailed Shinde as “common man” who is out to do beneficiary schemes.
(Edited by Tony Rai)
