J&K leaders react to Samay Raina's row
Political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir have responded to a controversy on comedian Samay Raina's show, with some defending humor and others condemning
Comedian Samay Raina is facing criticism again over his YouTube show 'India's Got Latent'. The latest controversy stems from a February 2025 exchange with fellow comedian Sharon Verma. Political leaders from Jammu and Kashmir have now weighed in on the row.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam suggested humor should be taken lightly. Maharashtra BJP MLA Ram Kadam, however, criticized Raina, stating Kashmiri Pandits should not be ridiculed.
The dispute began when Raina remarked to Verma, "You know, Sharon Verma is a Bihari who came to Mumbai in search of a job. Just Bihari things." Verma, who is from Bihar, retorted, "At least I left my state by my choice." Raina is a Kashmiri Pandit.
Political reactions from J&K
BJP leader Rakesh Kaul adopted a neutral position. He argued a comedian's words can be interpreted positively or negatively. Kaul referenced people from Bihar historically moving for work due to limited resources. He advised against overanalysis. "A comedian is just a comedian," Kaul said, according to the Hindustan Times report. He noted Amitabh Bachchan enjoyed an interaction with Raina on 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' and saw no issue.
A leader from Mehbooba Mufti's Peoples Democratic Party expressed sympathy for Kashmiri Pandits. PDP leader Syed Tajamul Islam told news agency ANI that Jammu & Kashmir remains incomplete without them. He stated they did not leave their homes out of mere choice, referencing the early 1990s militancy. Islam said there is no room for the way these personalities are sometimes treated and that they deserve great respect.
Kashmiri Hindu Dilip Pandita launched a sharp attack on Sharon Verma. He strongly condemned her statement. "I do not believe she was even born when the genocide of Kashmiri Pandits happened," Pandita said. "Sharon Verma ought to do her homework." He identified himself as a victim of terrorism, not economic hardship, adding, "I did not need a job."
J&K BJP MLA RS Pathania also condemned the remarks. He spoke of India's collective sentiment and tradition. Pathania called the acts mischievous and noted they had previously led to fines for Raina. He accused Raina of tearing apart guidelines set by law, the Constitution, and social ethics.
Background of legal troubles
Raina faced legal action in February 2025 over allegations of promoting obscenity on his show. The row erupted after guest Ranveer Allahbadia's remarks, leading to multiple FIRs. Raina announced a comeback months ago, and five episodes of the show's second season have been released.
The Supreme Court last week quashed all FIRs against Raina and four others over alleged insensitive jokes about persons with disabilities on the same show.
