Comedian Kunal Kamra has made it clear to the police that he has no intention of apologizing for his remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. However, he has assured authorities that he will comply with legal procedures, sources informed India Today TV.

As per sources, Kamra has conveyed his willingness to cooperate with the investigation but mentioned that he is currently not in Mumbai. The Mumbai police have yet to specify a date for his appearance.

The controversy erupted after Kamra, during a recent stand-up performance, took a dig at Shinde’s political shift to the BJP after parting ways with the Shiv Sena. The remarks led to a backlash, with members of the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) responding with threats and lodging a police complaint against the comedian.

The situation escalated further when Shiv Sena workers vandalized the Mumbai studio where Kamra performed. Following the incident, an FIR was registered against him, based on a complaint by Shinde Sena MLA Murji Patel. Additionally, 11 members of the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), including Rahul Kanal, were arrested for their involvement in the vandalism.

During his show titled 'Naya Bharat,' Kamra satirized Shinde’s political move, referring to a "leader from Thane" and making comments on his physical appearance and relationship with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. A clip from the show, shared by Kamra himself, featured him singing a spoof of the song from 'Dil To Pagal Hai.' While he did not explicitly mention Shinde’s name, the implication was widely interpreted.

In response to the viral video, Shiv Sena members targeted a studio and Hotel Unicontinental in Mumbai’s Khar area, claiming that the performance was recorded at that location.

Amid the controversy, Sanjay Nirupam, a prominent political figure who recently joined the Shiv Sena, posted a strong message on social media, declaring, "We will teach Kunal Kamra a lesson tomorrow at 11 am."

Despite the backlash, Kamra has received support from opposition leaders, including former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. Defending the comedian, Thackeray stated, "I don’t believe Kunal Kamra has done anything wrong. A traitor is a traitor."

Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Jaya Bachchan also backed Kamra, questioning the assault on freedom of speech and condemning the attack on the comedy venue.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took a firm stance, demanding that Kamra apologize for his statements. Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis asserted, "There is no issue with humor, but defaming and insulting leaders will not be tolerated."