MUMBAI: The Maharashtra Legislative Council accepted a breach of privilege motion against comedian Kunal Kamra on Thursday over his parody song mocking Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a "gaddar" (traitor) for his 2022 split from Uddhav Thackeray. Proposed by BJP MLC Pravin Darekar, the motion also implicates Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sushma Andhare for endorsing Kamra’s remarks.

Breach of privilege refers to instances where any person disregards or undermines the rights and immunities enjoyed by members of Parliament or the Legislature. Admitting the notice means Kamra may have to appear before the Council.

The issue has been referred to the Privileges Committee, led by BJP MLC Prasad Lad, which may summon Kamra to appear before the Council. The controversy stems from Kamra’s performance at the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, Mumbai, which led to vandalism by Shiv Sena supporters.

The 36-year-old stand-up comic Kamra, who is currently in Puducherry, now faces two police summons and an FIR for alleged defamation. He has been summoned twice by the Mumbai Police. Kamra, meanwhile, has slammed the media, calling it a miscommunication arm of the ruling party.

He said he stands firm and will not apologise or hide under the bed waiting for the controversy to die down. He also criticized T-Series for temporarily blocking his YouTube video over a copyright claim, asserting that parody and satire are protected under fair use.

Uddhav Thackeray has accused the Mahayuti government of hypocrisy for pursuing Kamra while ignoring others who allegedly insulted figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The Privileges Committee is expected to issue notices to Kamra and Andhare before the monsoon session begins on June 30, 2025.