Prashant Kishor Backs Kunal Kamra: No Motive

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

• Prashant Kishor supports Kunal Kamra, saying he has no political motives.
• Kamra faces legal action for remarks about Eknath Shinde.
• Kishor described Kamra as a friend who respects the country.
• Shiv Sena workers vandalized the comedy club after Kamra’s performance.
• Madras High Court granted Kamra interim anticipatory bail.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Jan Suraaj chief and former poll strategist Prashant Kishor has publicly supported Kunal Kamra amid the ongoing controversy over his ‘gaddaar’ (traitor) jibe at Eknath Shinde. The support from Prashant Kishor for Kunal Kamra comes at a crucial time for the comedian. Kishor stated that the stand-up comedian “does not have any political ambitions or ulterior motives”.

Speaking to reporters in Bihar’s Kathihar, Kishor described Kamra as a friend and dismissed allegations that the comedian was acting with a political agenda.

“Kunal Kamra is my friend. He made certain remarks that led to controversy. However, from what I know of him, he has no hidden motives. Those who think he is playing politics are mistaken — he is not involved in that,” Kishor stated.

Kishor further highlighted Kamra’s lifestyle, noting that he resides in Puducherry and does organic farming. This detail suggests that Kamra’s focus is not primarily political.

“Kunal lives in Pondicherry, where he does organic farming. Stand-up comedy is something he pursues on the side. He has no political rivalry and is among those who genuinely love their country. Perhaps he chose his words poorly. If he has done anything wrong, legal action should take its course. But I can confidently say that he respects the country and its Constitution,” he added. Kunal Kamra’s recent comments have stirred significant debate.

The controversy erupted last week when Kamra, 36, made caustic remarks about Eknath Shinde during a performance at the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai’s Khar. His act, which included a parody song targeting the Deputy Chief Minister, quickly went viral on social media, sparking a strong reaction from Shiv Sena supporters.

In response, Shiv Sena workers vandalized the comedy club and the hotel where it is located on Sunday night. Following a complaint filed by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel, Kamra was booked by the Khar Police for allegedly making defamatory statements against Shinde.

On March 28, the Madras High Court granted interim anticipatory bail to Kamra, instructing him to furnish a bond to the satisfaction of the judicial magistrate at Vanur in Tamil Nadu’s Villupuram district.

In court, Kamra had submitted that he moved to Tamil Nadu from Mumbai in 2021 and has been “ordinarily a resident of this State since then” and that he feared arrest by Mumbai Police.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• Prashant Kishor supported Kunal Kamra amidst controversy.
• He asserted that Kamra does not have political intentions.
• Kamra is facing accusations over remarks about Eknath Shinde.
• Shiv Sena activists vandalized the comedy venue after Kamra’s set.
• The Madras High Court provided Kamra with interim bail.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

See Full Bio