'May have chosen wrong words, but loves country': Prashant Kishor on Kunal Kamra joke row

Jan Suraj Party

chief Prashant Kishor has extended support to

stand-up comedian

Kunal Kamra, who faces intense backlash over his

controversial remarks

about

Maharashtra deputy chief minister

Eknath Shinde.
Describing Kamra as a friend, Kishor said that the comedian has no political agenda. "He has no ulterior motive, and those who think he is playing politics are mistaken," Kishor stated.
He highlighted Kamra's simple lifestyle in Puducherry, where he practices organic farming alongside his comedy career.
"Kunal Kamra is my friend," Kishor said, acknowledging that the comedian's comments had sparked controversy. However, he maintained, “But so far as I know him, he has no ulterior motive. People who think he is playing politics—he would not do anything like that.”

"He has no political rivalry. He is one of those who love their country. Maybe he has chosen his words wrongly. If he has done so, then there should be legal action. But I can say he has respect for the country and its constitution," he added.
The controversy erupted after Kamra referred to Shinde as a "gaddar" (traitor) during a performance, leading to multiple police complaints, venue vandalism, and death threats from right-wing groups. Several political figures, including Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, have condemned his remarks. However, the Madras high court recently granted Kamra interim anticipatory bail.
Remaining defiant, Kamra took to X (formerly Twitter) to assert that he won't be intimidated by mob pressure or "hide under the bed."
When asked about potential alliances, he reiterated that his party is open to discussions but dismissed speculation about an alliance with Chirag Paswan and said, “Oh brother, anyone in the world should come—Chirag should come, lamp should come, lantern should come in hand—there is no question.” However, he praised Chirag Paswan, calling him a "mature person, a good person, a young leader" who is advocating for development beyond caste politics in Bihar.

Kishor also spoke about the need for a new political alternative, stating, "Some new option should come. Whether that option is Jan Swaraj or not, there can be a debate on this, but people want change." He acknowledged that Asaduddin Owaisi’s party had positioned itself as an alternative in parts of Bihar in the last election, saying, "It’s a democracy, everyone has the right to contest elections, and Owaisi sahab also has a right."