Comedian Kunal Kamra is at the center of another political storm after sharing a photo on social media that appears to mock the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). In the image, Kamra wears a T-shirt featuring a dog and letters that some interpreted as referring to the RSS, though the full ‘R’ is not clearly visible. Kamra noted that the photograph was “not clicked at a comedy club,” a subtle reference to past controversies linked to his performances.
The post immediately drew a response from BJP leaders. Maharashtra minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule warned, “The police would take action against anyone who puts out such objectionable posts.” Officials have suggested that legal steps may follow against content perceived as offensive.
Sanjay Shirsat, a cabinet minister from the Shiv Sena, an ally of the BJP in Maharashtra, called for a firm response to the comedian’s post. “Earlier, he targeted Prime Minister Modi and Eknath Shinde, and now he has dared to directly attack the RSS. The BJP needs to respond to this,” Shirsat said. He added, “We (Shiv Sena) responded to it (to Kamra’s critical comments on Shinde earlier this year). Now, he has mustered the courage to make an objectionable post against the RSS.”
Kamra Previously Criticised
Kamra has previously faced backlash for political satire. In March, during a show at Mumbai’s Habitat Comedy Club, he modified the lyrics of a popular Bollywood song to poke fun at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The performance led to Shiv Sena workers vandalizing the comedy club and the hotel where it is located. Multiple FIRs were filed against Kamra following the incident.
In his latest post, Kamra also shared a T-shirt referencing the Constitution of India, accompanied by the caption: “Outrage doesn’t run our country. The Constitution does.” While the letters on his earlier T-shirt remain ambiguous, the photo has reignited debates on freedom of expression and online responsibility, with BJP leaders warning that objectionable content would not be tolerated.
The controversy once again highlights the delicate balance between satire and political provocation in India, particularly in Maharashtra, where tensions between comedians and political figures have previously turned disruptive.
