Mumbai: In a bid to calm the political storm he kicked up on Friday morning, comedian-actor Kapil Sharma this evening said he just voiced his concern on corruption and did not blame any political party.
Kapil took to Twitter to assuage the rising political tempers after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) took on the comedian who complained to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he was asked to pay a bribe by a municipal officer.
He also tweeted to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena scion Aaditya Thackeray and said that he would meet them in person and discuss the issue.
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
@Dev_Fadnavis thank u so much for ur concern sir.. Would like to come n discuss this matter with u in person ..
— KAPIL (@KapilSharmaK9) September 9, 2016
@AUThackeray thanks for ur concern Aaditya .. will meet n explain u ..
— KAPIL (@KapilSharmaK9) September 9, 2016
On Friday morning, Kapil had tweeted to PM Modi: "I am paying Rs 15 crore income tax from last five years and still I have to pay Rs 5 lakh bribe to BMC office (every year) for making my office. Is this your 'Achhe Din'?"
Stung by the 35-year-old popular comedian's allegation, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis immediately called for "strictest action" and asked him to provide all information regarding the bribery allegation.
"We will not spare the culprits," Fadnavis said.
But within hours, accusing fingers were pointed at Kapil.
Notably, the Shiv Sena and the Bharatiya Janata Party control the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), India's biggest and richest municipal body.
BMC's Chief of Vigilance Department Manohar Pawar said it had taken a serious view of the allegation and told Kapil to lodge a formal complaint and identify the officer who allegedly demanded a bribe for speeding up the work on his under-construction office.
Later, the BMC revealed it had slapped a notice on July 16 this year, accusing Kapil of usurping 16 feet of government land by indulging in an illegal construction of his office in Andheri West.
Kapil later came out with a fresh allegation that local Shiv Sena and MNS activists also demanded money from him and that he had earlier complained to the civic body but no action was taken.
Responding to this, MNS' Chitrapat Sena president Amey Khopkar dared Kapil to prove his allegation or they would bar him from conducting his shootings in the city.
Khopkar charged that a studio set used by the comedian for shooting his shows was illegal. Kapil must apologise or face the music, he warned.
Perhaps taken aback by the rebounding effect of his allegations, Kapil thanked Fadnavis for his intervention and sought a meeting to discuss the issue with him.
Lionised on the social media till afternoon, the actor was later trolled and jeered. Some demanded his arrest.
(With IANS inputs)
