Samay Raina faces BJP backlash over remarks on Kashmiri Pandits and people from Bihar

Samay Raina. Pic via X

Samay Raina has found himself in another controversy after a roast exchange with comedian Sharon Verma on India's Got Latent season 2 drew political criticism over jokes referencing their Kashmiri and Bihari backgrounds.

Samay Raina's comedy show row

The exchange began with Raina taking a dig at Verma's Bihari roots, with the comedian responding, "At least I left my state by my choice." Verma then made a dark-humour reference to Raina's Kashmiri identity, saying he "loves getting stoned". The clips from the episode have since circulated online, prompting reactions from BJP leaders.

BJP MLA Ram Kadam criticised the remarks, saying, "There are certain forces in society that deliberately make controversial statements simply to gain publicity." He added that "Kashmiri Pandits cannot be treated as subjects of ridicule."

Bihar Minister Mithilesh Tiwari also objected to the comments, stating, "Any derogatory remark against any citizen of our country is unacceptable." Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur called the reference to Kashmiri Pandits "condemnable and objectionable" and demanded an apology.

Kashmiri Pandit weighs in

However, a member of the Kashmiri Pandit community from Jammu has offered a considerably different perspective on the controversy. Speaking about the exchange, he urged people not to attach too much weight to what was said during the comedy show.

"Look, there is no need to give too much importance to whatever conversation Samay Raina had. It was a comedy show, and it can be called a comedy show," he said.

He also pointed out that people have the right to move across the country for work and other reasons, regardless of where they come from. "If I am a Kashmiri Pandit, I have the right to travel anywhere in the world; it is our fundamental right. Similarly, if someone from Bihar goes to Bombay, it is their fundamental right," he added.

Addressing the jokes themselves, he said audiences should understand the nature of a roast performance. "Now, regarding the conversation they had with each other, when you go to a comedy show, jokes keep happening. One should not take it personally," he said.

The contrasting reactions have put the spotlight back on the thin line between edgy comedy and comments that audiences may find insensitive. Meanwhile, FIRs against Samay Raina and others over insensitive remarks were quashed by SC.