Kunal Kamra 'unfazed' by raging row, now targets Nirmala Sitharaman, says ...'kehte hai isko tanashahi'
PTC Web Desk: Despite several threats, police summons, protests and backlash, comedian Kunal Kamra seems undeterred by the controversy surrounding his "traitor" remark aimed at Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde. On Wednesday, Kunal Kamra shares a new video, accusing the BJP of dictatorship. He took a jibe at Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman accusing the BJP of authoritarianism. The release coincided with Mumbai Police issuing a second summons to Kamra, rejecting his plea for an extension to appear for questioning.
Kunal Kamra, who is currently facing defamation charges, based his latest satire on the classic Bollywood song 'Hawa Hawai' from 'Mr India'. Titled 'Aapka Tax Ka Paisa Ho Raha Hai Hawa Hawai' (Your tax money is going to waste), the song criticises the government over infrastructure failures, including traffic congestion and collapsing bridges.
"Traffic badhane yeh hai aayi, bridges giraane yeh hai aayi, kehte hai isko tanashahi" (She has come to worsen traffic, to bring down bridges, this is called dictatorship).
The parody further highlights concerns over the alleged financial burden on the middle class, claiming they are forced to pay higher taxes compared to corporations. Another verse takes a direct swipe at Sitharaman: "Logon ki lootne kamaai, sari waali didi aayi, salary churaane yeh hai aayi, middle class dabaane yeh hai aayi, popcorn khilaane yeh hai aayi, kehte hai isko Nirmala tai."
The "popcorn" reference alludes to a past controversy regarding multiple GST slabs for different varieties of popcorn, a decision that drew sharp criticism from the opposition.
Satirical video on Shiv Sena vandalism
A day earlier, Kamra had shared footage of alleged vandalism by Shiv Sena workers at the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, where he had made the "traitor" comment. The video was accompanied by another parody song titled 'Hum Hongey Kangal' (We will be paupers).
Despite mounting legal pressure and criticism, Kamra has stood firm on his stance, refusing to apologise for his remarks about Shinde. He has, however, assured cooperation with law enforcement authorities.
"I will not apologise... I don’t fear this mob, and I won’t be hiding under the bed, waiting for this to die down," Kamra stated in his first response to the ongoing controversy.
- With inputs from agencies
