Kunal Kamra Row: Sanjay Raut Reposts Ajit Pawar's '50 Khoke, Ekdam Ok' Video To Defend Comedian Over Remark On Shinde

(MENAFN- Live Mint) Kunal Kamra controversy: Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra is facing the heat from the ruling Shiv Sena for allegedly making defamatory remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde. Several opposition leaders from the state, including Sanjay Raut, have defended Kunal Kamra, citing 'freedom of speech' while sharing an old video of Ajit Pawar's '50-khoke ekdam ok' remark.

Coming out in support of the comedian, Rajya Sabha MP and senior leader Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut reposted an old video of Ajit Pawar's '50-khoke ekdam ok' (50 crores, everything is ok) remark, noting this was what Kunal Kamra had referenced in the show.

"Even small kids also know '50-khoke ekdam ok'. When people hear the siren (of vehicle), they say look '50 crore person, gaddar (traitor) is going'," Ajit Pawar says in the video, suggesting that the phrase reflected public sentiment.

Pawar made the comment when the NCP was still undivided, and he was not part of the ruling government.

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The '50-Khoke Ekdam Ok' slogan, coined by the Shiv Sena (UBT) in 2022, became popular after 40 legislators from the undivided Sena switched sides to join the Eknath Shinde camp. The Thackeray camp alleged that those switching allegiance took ₹50 crore each.

Some Uddhav Thackeray loyalists claimed they were offered between ₹25 to 50 crore to switch sides.

In fact, the slogan even inspired a viral song.

In October 2024, the Bombay High Court quashed an FIR against a lawyer who shouted the slogan in front of the convoy of Abdul Sattar, a Sena leader and former minister in the Shinde Cabinet.

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