New Delhi: A video has surfaced which shows a Hyderabad-based stand-up comedian facing the heat of a group of protesters, allegedly affiliated with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), at a show in Bengaluru.
The incident happened at Koramangala in Bengaluru on Saturday as the protesters caused disruptions to the performance of comedian Sarat Uday. They compelled him to tender a public apology — even though he had already done so nearly two years ago for the remarks, The Times of India reported.
A video of the incident has since gone viral on social media.
Hyderabad: Angry supporters of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) disrupted a show of standup comidian Sarat Uday in Bengaluru and verbally abused the Hyderabad-based artist in the middle of his performance over jokes cracked on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu over… pic.twitter.com/PKH7LB1VBy
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What actually happened
Two years ago, Uday had cracked jokes about Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu. The TDP members had raised objection to it. On Saturday, the protesters raked up the issue. Even though he had apologised for his comments at the time, the protesters asked him to issue an apology once again. They wanted him to apologise from the stage itself. Uday did so.
The comedian said that the problem started as soon as he was about to begin his act. A man from the audience came to him posing as a fan. However, he then questioned him over his earlier remarks about Naidu. Some others at the venue also joined in, and the crowd got bigger. They abused him and issued threats of physical violence.
The protesters also raised objections to Uday’s references to the 2003 Naxal assassination bid on Naidu, warning him against such content in his future performances.
The group reportedly tried to put pressure on Uday to raise slogans in support of TDP leaders. Uday turned down that demand, stating that his comedy made references to several political parties, including those in the opposition. The protesters left before police could reach the venue.
How did the party react
The party distanced itself from the incident. AP state TDP president and MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao criticised the protest. He reportedly said that the party would neither promote such behaviour nor support any protest that encroached upon freedom of speech.
At the same time, Rao said that comedians, artistes, political commentators and public figures shouldn’t crossing the limits of free expression on sensitive issues. He warned that such conduct would evoke angry reactions from the public.