The controversy surrounding comedian Samay Raina's remarks on his show India's Got Latent has triggered reactions from political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir, with some defending the place of humour while others criticised the remarks involving Kashmiri Pandits.
The controversy erupted following a recent episode of the show featuring comedian Sharon Verma, who is from Bihar. During their exchange, Raina introduced Verma with a remark about her Bihari background and said she had come to Mumbai in search of a job. Verma responded by saying that she had left her state "by my choice". Raina is a Kashmiri Pandit.
The remarks drew criticism from several political leaders, who said references to the displacement and suffering of Kashmiri Pandits should not be reduced to humour.
BJP leader Rakesh Kaul, however, adopted a more measured stance and said comments made by comedians should be viewed in context.
Kaul said people from Bihar have historically moved across India in search of work and livelihood, and argued that the exchange should not be overanalysed. He pointed out that Raina's recent appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati was also received positively, adding that a comedian's primary role is to entertain.
A PDP leader, Syed Tajamul Islam, expressed sympathy with Kashmiri Pandits who were forced to leave their homes in Kashmir during the onset of militancy in the early 1990s.
"The land of Jammu & Kashmir remains incomplete without Kashmiri Pandits," Islam said, adding that they did not leave their homes merely by choice. He said Kashmiri Pandits deserve respect and expressed hope for their return to the Valley.
Kashmiri Hindu leader Dilip Pandita also criticised the exchange and said references to the displacement of Kashmiri Pandits should be made with an understanding of the history surrounding their migration.
J&K BJP MLA RS Pathania condemned the remarks, describing them as an example of what he called "mischievous acts". He said India's history, traditions and collective sentiment should be respected and argued that public figures should remain mindful of legal and social norms.
The latest controversy comes months after Raina faced widespread backlash over India's Got Latent in 2025 following remarks made by guest Ranveer Allahbadia. The episode led to multiple FIRs and legal challenges against the show.
Raina later announced the return of India's Got Latent, with the second season releasing new episodes. The Supreme Court last week also quashed FIRs against Raina and four others in a separate case concerning alleged insensitive jokes about persons with disabilities on the show.
The latest row has once again sparked a wider debate over the boundaries of comedy, the use of community identities in humour and the responsibility of public entertainers when addressing sensitive historical issues.
