Top News

On Wednesday, the World Environment Day program held on Carter Road in Bandra, Mumbai came into controversy when the Bajrang Dal and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) lodged a strong protest over the presence of Stand-up comedian Munawar Farooqui. The program was organized by Bhamla Foundation and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was present as the chief guest.

The purpose of this program was to make people aware of increasing pollution from plastic waste. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board was also the co-organizer of the event. But after the news of Munawwar Farooqui’s involvement, religious organizations intensified the protest.

Bajrang Dal and VHP objection

A day before the program, Bajrang Dal and VHP workers had submitted a letter to the police, in which they objected to Munawwar Farooqui’s participation in the program. He alleged that Farooqui had insulted Hindu deities in his earlier stand-up show. For this reason, they should be kept away from this public program, otherwise the law and order can deteriorate.

Gautam Rawaria, co-convenor of Konkan province of Bajrang Dal, said, “We are not against the program, we are against that person. The administration should distance away from him or else the Bajrang Dal will take steps itself.”

Farooqui’s name was finally removed

In view of these warnings, the organizers decided to exclude Munawar Farooqui from the program. A volunteer of the program confirmed that Farooqui did not attend the program, but he refused to give more information.

Disputed history of Munawwar Farooqui

Munawar Farooqui is a popular comedian and TV reality show winner. But his name has come into controversies many times. In January 2021, Madhya Pradesh Police arrested him for hurting religious sentiments. He got bail from the Supreme Court, but the case is still pending in the court. Recently in March 2024, he was also arrested during the police raid in the illegal hookah parlor.

This latest controversy once again showed how socio-political pressure is affecting comedy and freedom of expression, especially when the matter is to religion.