Shekhar Suman defends satirical show following ED raids

Actor and television host Shekhar Suman has defended his YouTube satirical show, ‘Shekhar Tonite’, following Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids on the show’s producer, Dharmesh Sangani. Suman addressed speculation that the raids were a response to the program’s political commentary, asserting that the show is ‘pro-people’ rather than ‘anti-anyone’ or specifically targeting the BJP.

Suman stated that he does not believe Prime Minister Narendra Modi is ‘so weak’ that he would exert pressure over a small satirical program, noting that the Prime Minister has much larger global issues to address. He explained that his content focuses on holding the political system accountable and pointing out flaws regardless of which party is in power, comparing the role of satire to a classroom monitor.

Suman noted that while some viewers interpreted a monologue involving a metaphorical king as a reference to the Prime Minister, his intention is to critique the system at large. He mentioned that he has previously poked fun at various leaders, including former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh, as part of his professional practice of political satire.