Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has told Mumbai Police that he has no regrets about his controversial ‘gaddar’ (traitor) remark, which was reportedly aimed at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and made it clear that he would apologise only if court directed him to do so. This comes after Maharashtra government’s mounting pressure and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ apology demand.

Speaking to police from Tamil Nadu, Kamra also denied allegations of being paid by the opposition to target Shinde and offered full access to his financial records to prove his stand, sources revealed.

The controversy escalated further after Kamra’s Mumbai-based comedy studio, Habitat Studio, was vandalised by Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) workers on Sunday night, hours later the BMC demolished the studio citing an unspecified violation. Video footage showed a mob damaging property, throwing chairs, and burning Kamra’s photo outside a police station in Thane. All 11 accused were granted bail shortly after the incident.

Habitat Studio distances itself from Kamra’s remarks

The studio, which hosted the controversial episode of India’s Got Latent featuring Kamra, stated that it cannot be held responsible for comments made by performers. It announced a temporary shutdown, citing safety concerns and the need to evaluate how to promote free speech without endangering property and staff.

The term ‘gaddar’, used by Kamra, has been interpreted as a reference to Eknath Shinde, whose 2022 rebellion split the Shiv Sena and led to the fall of the Uddhav Thackeray-led government, paving the way for the BJP-Shinde alliance.

While BJP leaders filed multiple complaints against Kamra, Uddhav Thackeray’s faction hit back. Aaditya Thackeray called Shinde an “insecure coward,” and Priyanka Chaturvedi highlighted that Kamra never explicitly named anyone in his joke. Questioning the intolerance toward comedy and criticism, she said that their vandalism shows that there is truth in the joke.

Chaos erupted in Parliament on Monday during the ongoing Budget Session as both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned within minutes of commencing proceedings. The disruption was sparked by a heated row in the Rajya Sabha over the issue of minority reservations, with opposition and ruling party members clashing over remarks concerning potential constitutional changes.

As the Rajya Sabha began its session, BJP MPs raised loud objections, demanding Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge clarify the Congress party’s position on reservations for Muslims. The uproar was triggered by a recent remark allegedly made by a senior Congress leader regarding constitutional amendments to extend reservation benefits to the Muslim community.

BJP MP Kiren Rijiju highlighted the issue, stating, “A senior Congress leader holding a constitutional post has made a statement that they (Congress) are going to change the Constitution of India to provide reservation to the Muslim community. We cannot take this statement lightly.”

Backing Rijiju, Leader of the House JP Nadda reiterated that the Constitution clearly mentions that reservation cannot be granted on the basis of religion. The statement added fuel to the fire, further intensifying the protests.

As tensions rose, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned until 2 pm. Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha was adjourned till 12 noon due to similar disruptions.

Amid the uproar, important legislative business remains pending. In the Lok Sabha, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to move The Finance Bill, 2025 for consideration and passing. In the Rajya Sabha, she will also seek the passage of The Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024.

The Parliament is expected to reconvene later in the day, with the government aiming to push forward with legislative agendas amid the political turbulence.

The Congress on Sunday launched a sharp critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government over the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, accusing the BJP of undermining social harmony and targeting minority communities for electoral gains.

In a strongly worded statement, Congress general secretary in-charge communication Jairam Ramesh alleged that the bill is designed to polarize society and weaken the administrative framework of waqf institutions.

Ramesh claimed that the bill, which was reportedly pushed through the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) without detailed clause-by-clause discussions, violates parliamentary norms and poses a threat to India’s constitutional values.

“The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is an assault on the Constitution of India itself. It seeks to demonize minority communities, dilute constitutional guarantees of equal rights, and defame their traditions and institutions to keep society perpetually divided for political benefits,” he said.

The Congress leader outlined five key concerns with the proposed amendments:

1. Weakening of Waqf Institutions: Ramesh argued that the bill aims to diminish the authority and stature of national and state waqf boards and tribunals, effectively stripping minority communities of their right to manage their religious and cultural affairs.
2. Ambiguity in Waqf Definition: The bill allegedly alters the definition of waqf, creating confusion over who can donate land for waqf purposes. Ramesh criticized the removal of the “waqf-by-user” concept, which was established by judicial precedent to protect long-standing customary practices.
3. Erosion of Existing Protections: The Congress accused the government of removing crucial provisions from the current law without justification, thereby weakening the administration of waqf properties.
4. Encroachment Defenses: Ramesh claimed that the bill introduces measures to protect individuals who have illegally occupied waqf lands, undermining efforts to reclaim such properties.
5. Excessive Powers to Government Officials: The bill reportedly grants sweeping authority to collectors and other government officials to derecognize waqf properties based on complaints or allegations, even before a final decision is reached.

Ramesh emphasized that these changes would allow state government officers to unilaterally derecognize waqf properties, leaving them vulnerable to arbitrary decisions. “Officers will now have the power to derecognize any waqf on mere allegations, treating the property as government-owned until proven otherwise,” he said.

The Congress’s criticism comes amid speculation that the government may introduce the Waqf Bill for passage in Parliament following the approval of the Finance Bill. The party has called for a thorough review of the proposed amendments, urging the government to prioritize social harmony and uphold constitutional principles.