Bengaluru resident invites comedian to spotlight delayed flyover

A resident of Bengaluru has invited comedian Kunal Kamra to perform under the Ejipura flyover. This comes after a controversy regarding Kamra's recent remarks about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The resident hopes that the long-delayed and unfinished flyover might finally get the attention it needs. Kamra made headlines after calling Shinde a "gaddar," meaning traitor. This led to protests from Shiv Sena workers at a popular venue in Mumbai, the Habitat Studio, where his performance was set to take place. The protest resulted in damage to equipment and a temporary shutdown of the venue. In response to the violence, Habitat Studio stated it is seeking ways to ensure free expression while protecting its property and artists. They have distanced themselves from Kamra's content but are now encouraging discussions on the issues of artistic freedom and safety. Kamra has defended his right to free speech and criticized what he sees as selective targeting of comedians. His situation has sparked renewed discussions about artistic freedom and censorship in India. Separately, the Ejipura flyover project has faced significant delays. Construction began in 2017 but stalled due to financial and land acquisition issues. Initially set to finish in 2019 at a cost of ₹204 crore, the deadline has been pushed back multiple times, with the latest completion date now extended beyond March 2024.