'Inki Aukat Nahi Hai...': Devendra Fadnavis Deprecates Kunal Kamra Over Remarks On Shinde; Comedian Asks If He Can Plan Shows In Maharashtra

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, a vocal critic of the BJP government at the Centre and in various states, has thrown down an open challenge to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. This follows Fadnavis calling Kamra "worthless" in a recent statement at an event and suggesting that he should be "politically ignored."

Speaking at an event organised by The Indian Express, Fadnavis remarked, "I believe politically ignoring such people would be wiser. Inki Aukat Nahi Hai (They are not worth it), by reacting, you only elevate their stature. There’s no need to give them that importance... Sometimes, especially in our party and our ally Shiv Sena, we are emotional people. We are not practical politicians. Our emotions often lead to reactions. Because of these reactions, he (Kunal Kamra) gained more attention. Otherwise, not even four people would listen to him."

His comments come months after Shiv Sena workers vandalised Mumbai’s Habitat Studio on 24 March this year in response to Kamra’s alleged defamatory statements about Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde during a comedy show.

Kamra, known for his satirical takes on politics, responded sarcastically to Fadnavis’s statement on social media. Sharing a clip of the deputy CM’s remarks, he said, "Hello Devendra Fadnavis, you’re right. Politically, it’s better to ignore me. I have no ‘aukat’ & only 4 people watch my show. Please, can I be ignored? In October, I was planning shows in Thane, Navi Mumbai, Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, and Aurangabad. Please coordinate with Mr Shinde & his Sena if I can be ignored."