‘Delhi Tourism…’: Kunal Kamra’s Jab After CM Rekha Gupta’s ‘Perform At Own Risk’ Warning
Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra on Friday took a sharp jibe at Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, after she warned that he could perform in the national capital “at his own risk.” In a quick retort, Kamra suggested the CM’s words would make a fitting slogan for the city’s tourism department.
The war of words began during an event organized by The Indian Express group, where Gupta was asked if she would permit a controversial comedian like Kamra to perform in Delhi, given his propensity for jokes about political leaders.
In response, the Delhi Chief Minister stated, “He can come at his own risk. People of Delhi would listen to him.” When a journalist pointed out that a chief minister should offer assurance rather than a warning, Gupta then added, “Right, you come, I will welcome you.”
Hours later, Kamra responded on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). “‘Come at your own risk’ should be a tagline for Delhi Tourism,” he posted, in a clear dig at the chief minister’s initial cautionary tone.
This exchange comes as Kamra remains embroiled in a major controversy in Maharashtra. He sparked a significant row with a musical parody uploaded to his YouTube channel in March, where he used the word “gaddar” (traitor) in a veiled reference to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the 2022 political crisis that brought him to power.
The remark drew strong condemnation from Shinde’s Shiv Sena party. The controversy turned violent when members of Yuva Sena, the party’s youth wing, vandalised the Mumbai comedy venue where Kamra’s show had been filmed.
Following the incident, three separate police complaints were filed against the comedian. Kamra has refused to apologise for his remarks, citing his freedom of speech, but has expressed his willingness to cooperate with the police investigation.
