Shiv Sena deputy leader and spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam on Saturday alleged that stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra’s satirical songs were part of an international conspiracy to defame India, the Supreme Court, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He said Kamra had illegally received ₹4 crore in foreign funding for this purpose.
Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Nirupam alleged that one of Kamra’s donors includes the Ford Foundation, a US-based organization previously accused of funding anti-India groups.
According to the Shiv Sena leader, Kamra’s YouTube shows had been used to defame India, the Supreme Court, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde.
“These shows have allegedly been funded by foreign sources. Kamra has received over ₹4 crore from Canada, Australia, the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar,” he claimed.
Nirupam also alleged that a significant portion of this funding had come from donors belonging to a particular community and questioned whether the religious leaders had issued a fatwa in support of Kamra’s funding.
“Kamra’s parody song Hum Honge Kangal has tarnished India’s global reputation. Anti-India organisations based in Canada are suspected to be involved in his funding,” he said.
The Sena leader also demanded an investigation under Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
Under Section 3 of FEMA, election candidates, journalists, columnists, cartoonists, editors, media broadcasting companies, and YouTubers are prohibited from accepting foreign funding.
“Kamra’s acceptance of foreign funds is a violation of FEMA, and a case of sedition should be filed against him,” Nirupam asserted.
He also claimed that the comedian is currently hiding in Tamil Nadu out of fear and warned that no one can escape the law.
Nirupam also alleged that Kamra has backing of Shiv Sena (UBT) group, as confirmed by party MP Sanjay Raut’s recent statements.
Nirupam emphasized that no one has the right to defame constitutional officeholders under the guise of free speech. He also alleged that Kamra’s show is produced by a woman named Shetty, whose organisation had received financial support from the Ford Foundation.
He claimed that the Ford Foundation is linked to George Soros and has been involved in destabilizing governments worldwide. Even US President Donald Trump had considered taking action against the foundation, said Nirupam.
'Ban meat sale during Navratri'
Nirupam also demanded a ban on open sale of meat during Chaitra Navratri which begins on March 30.
“Shiv Sena is demanding an immediate ban on the open sale of meat during the Navratri festival, from Gudi Padwa to Ram Navami,” he said.
In Andheri alone, there are over 250 shawarma vendors. Shiv Sena argues that Navratri is a matter of Hindu faith and that the open sale of chicken, mutton, and kebabs on footpaths and in markets is offensive to Hindu sentiments.
“Therefore, the party is calling for a complete ban on the open sale of meat during this period. Shiv Sena workers will submit a formal request to the police today,” he stated.