Comedian Kapil Sharma of Comedy Nights With Kapil fame recently stirred up a controversy through two tweets. Sharma alleged corruption in the Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) over a bribe of Rs 5 Lakhs he was asked to pay for building his office. His allegations, however, triggered adverse reactions from political parties.
I am paying 15 cr income tax from last 5 year n still i have to pay 5 lacs bribe to BMC office for making my office @narendramodi
— KAPIL (@KapilSharmaK9) September 9, 2016
Yeh hain aapke achhe din ? @narendramodi
— KAPIL (@KapilSharmaK9) September 9, 2016
Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray responded to the tweet immediately, assuring action if the allegations were found true.
Kapilbhai pls provide all info.
Have directed MC,BMC to take strictest action.
We will not spare the culprit.@KapilSharmaK9 @narendramodi— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) September 9, 2016
According to The Hindu, the BMC sent Sharma a letter, asking him to provide details about the officials who asked for the bribe, and promised to take action.
At the same time, it is alleged that the civic body had served Sharma a notice on 16 July, informing him to stop the illegal construction of his commercial property on a residential plot near Versova mangroves in Mumbai.
On August 4, after receiving no reply from him, the ward officers demolished the extension, said the K-West ward assistant municipal com missioner, Parag Masurkar. With BMC elections months away, politicians of all hues waded into the controversy.
Courtesy: NDTV.com
The comedian has allegedly built his office over a 4,000 square feet area, with another floor currently under construction on the ground plus one property. Technically, this goes against the rules of the BMC, considering the area is located close to mangroves. It is also alleged that portions of the forest was cut for Sharma’s construction. Sharma, however, is yet to responded to the BMC notice.
Sharma’s tweets have also garnered the attention of BJP members alleging that it is an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) propaganda, in order to defame BJP. There were also questions raised over why Sharma didn’t file a police complaint about the bribe demand. Sharma, who spoke exclusively to CNN News 18 on Friday, maintained that he has done nothing wrong.
I just voiced my concern on the corruption I faced with certain individuals..Its No blame on any political party be it BJP, MNS or ShivSena
— KAPIL (@KapilSharmaK9) September 9, 2016
It was reported by NDTV that the comedian allegedly takes home a salary of Rs 60 Lakhs per episode for his show. The reactions to Kapil Sharma’s tweets, however, has been met with humour, with many turning his plight into a catchphrase – ‘Kya Yeh Hai Aapke Acche Din?‘ (Are these your ‘good days’?).
I think the only people who can afford tickets to Coldplay India are Kapil Sharma and the BMC.
— Daniel Fernandes (@absolutelydanny) September 9, 2016
Just Stepped On A Stone And Fell Down While Walking Across The Road. Ye Hain Aapke Acche Din? @narendramodi . #KapilSharma
— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadejaaaa) September 9, 2016
Wtf! I'm Not Even Allowed To Make An Illegal Construction In My Office?
Ye Hain Aapke Acche Din? @narendramodi#KapilSharma
— Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadejaaaa) September 9, 2016
I request my bhakts to boycott The #KapilSharma show. Watch my speeches only. I am better comedian than him. Actually I am the best.
— Narendra Modi (@alolnath) September 9, 2016
#KapilSharma– BMC demands me bribe, where are acche din?
Siddhu- Hahahahahahahahaha
KS- Paaji, I am serious?
S- Oye chha Gaye guru!??— Sunil- The Cricketer (@1sInto2s) September 9, 2016
As I've said earlier, the day isn't far when people will tag @narendramodi even for plumbing flaws though agree with @KapilSharmaK9 's issue
— SUHEL SETH (@suhelseth) September 9, 2016
Feature Image Courtesy : Indian Express
