Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Monday invited stand-up comedians Kunal Kamra and Munawar Faruqui to hold a programme in Bhopal in the BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh after they were allegedly denied permission for shows in Bengaluru. Hitting out at Singh, BJP MLA from Bhopal Huzur Assembly constituency, Rameshwar Sharma, said he will not allow shows of anyone who has disrespected Hindu deities not only in Bhopal but also in the rest of Madhya Pradesh.
“Digvijaya Singh is wishing to invite Pakistan's terrorists to his home for a biryani party. This doesn't mean that we all will accept it,” the MLA said.
Faruqui was last month denied a nod to hold a show in the Karnataka capital amid protests by right-wing outfits. A few days later, Kamra, a vocal critic of the government, said his stand-up shows, scheduled to be held in Bengaluru, were cancelled after the organisers received threats. Earlier this year, Faruqui spent a month in jail in Indore after a BJP MLA's son lodged an FIR in January accusing the comedian of hurting religious sentiments through his show.
“I will organise a show for you Kunal and Munawar in Bhopal. All responsibility will be mine. The only condition is that the subject of comedy will be Digvijaya Singh. Sanghis (RSS cadre) should not object to this!! Don't be afraid!! Give the date and time as per your convenience. All your conditions are accepted,” Digvijaya Singh tweeted on Monday.
Responding to Singh's appeal, Kamra tweeted, “Sir thank you for the kind invitation. Checking if we have life insurance and getting back to you ASAP.”
