Indian comedian Kunal Kamra has refused to apologize for making a satirical remark about Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, calling him a "traitor" during a performance. This statement triggered an investigation into Kamra for defamation, following a complaint by Shinde's political party, which has connections to the ruling BJP. While Kamra asserted that he would not retract his comments in the face of backlash, the incident underscores the precarious situation for comedians in a politically charged atmosphere. The venue where Kamra performed faced repercussions, as it was subsequently shut down and demolished for lacking permits.
"I don't fear this mob and I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down," Kamra stated defiantly in a social media post, emphasizing his stance against the backlash.
"Your inability to take a joke at the expense of a powerful public figure does not give you the right to silence criticism," Kamra said, highlighting the importance of free speech.
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