Amid Kunal Kamra row, Shiv Sena MP demands ban on comedy platforms promoting hate speech, creating tension

Sena MP calls for ban on stand-up comedy platforms promoting hate speech, amid Kunal Kamra controversy.

Amid a raging controversy over comic Kunal Kamra's remarks on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Shiv Sena member Dhairyasheel Mane on Tuesday (March 25, 2025) demanded in the Lok Sabha that stand-up comedy platforms that promote hate speech and create tension in society should be banned.

Mr. Mane said that some people are running their political agenda through stand-up comedians.

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Participating in the discussion on Finance Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha, the Sena MP demanded that there should be some policy or framework wherein comedians can be allowed to criticise policies and not indulge in making personal remarks against individuals.

Without taking the name of Mr. Kamra, he said in the last two days, people would have seen on TV that "one joker whose mind is empty" is making irresponsible comments against Shiv Sena leader and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

"I demand that such platforms which promote hate speech or create tension in society should be banned," Mr. Mane said.

Mr. Kamra kicked up a major political storm in Maharashtra for taking a jibe at Shiv Sena leader Shinde's political career in his show.