NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena leaders expressed strong disapproval after stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra mocked Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde in a show, leading to protests and vandalism by party workers.
The incident unfolded when Kamra’s performance, which included a jibe calling Shinde a “gaddar” (traitor), was filmed at a studio in Hotel Unicontinental in Mumbai’s Khar area.
This led to a chaotic scene as Shiv Sena workers gathered outside the hotel, allegedly ransacking both the studio and the hotel premises, seeking an FIR against Kamra.
Thane Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske slammed Kamra, calling him a “contract comedian” and warning, “Kamra should not have stepped on the tail of a snake (referring to Shinde). Once the fangs are out, there will be dire consequences.” He also alleged that Kamra had accepted money from Uddhav Thackeray to target Shinde.
“We will make sure you cannot move freely throughout the country. If we start following you, you will have to leave the country,” Mhaske added.
He also took aim at Uddhav Thackeray, accusing him of hiring people like Kamra due to a lack of support within his party.
Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel demanded an apology from Kamra and stated he would file an FIR against the comedian at the MIDC police station. “I am going to show Kamra his level,” Patel said, escalating tensions further.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut shared the controversial video on social media, referring to it as a parody of Maharashtra’s political situation. Raut criticized Shinde’s faction, saying, “Kunal Kamra is a well-known writer and comedian. Kamra composed a parody song, which irked the Shinde faction and led to the ransacking of the studio.”
In response to the video, Kamra mocked the ruling NCP and Shiv Sena using a modified version of a song from the film Dil To Pagal Hai, which elicited laughter from the audience.
In the aftermath, the police registered an FIR against Kamra for allegedly making defamatory remarks about Shinde.
The charges against him include sections related to public mischief and defamation. The FIR was lodged by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel, who had filed a complaint after the video went viral.
Additionally, the police filed an FIR against nearly 40 Shiv Sena workers for allegedly vandalising the Habitat Studio and the hotel. The workers are accused of damaging property, unlawfully assembling, and even pushing on-duty police officers. Several workers were taken into custody for further investigation.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray condemned the vandalism, calling it a “cowardly” act. He posted on social media, “Mindhe’s coward gang breaks the comedy show stage where comedian Kunal Kamra put out a song on Eknath Mindhe, which was 100% true. Only an insecure coward would react to a song by someone.”
Thackeray further questioned the state’s law and order, accusing Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis of failing to maintain control. “Another attempt to undermine the CM and home minister by Eknath Mindhe,” he said in his post.
As the investigation continues, both Kamra and the Shiv Sena workers face legal consequences for their respective actions.
See more: Comedian Kunal Kamra Controversy Live Updates
(With agency inputs)