Shiv Sena’s Yuva Sena general secretary Rahool Kanal has issued a warning to comedian Kunal Kamra, who faces multiple FIRs over a satirical video targeting Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde.

NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena’s Yuva Sena (Shinde faction) general secretary Rahool Kanal has issued a strong statement regarding stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra, that he will receive a “Shiv Sena-style” welcome upon his return to Mumbai from Tamil Nadu, regardless of any protection he has there.
Kamra secured anticipatory bail from the Madras high court until April 7 after multiple FIRs were filed against him over his satirical video targeting Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde.
Kanal said that Kamra must face the law and should not expect any special treatment.
He reiterated that Yuva Sena members attend the police station every Monday and Thursday as per legal procedures and urged Kamra to do the same.
While speaking to the media on Monday, Kanal said, “Following the procedure of law, (Shiv Sena) Yuva Sena members come to the police station for attendance every Monday and Thursday. We welcome the Court’s verdict that gives him relief, but it is only until April 7. He should come and face the law… No matter what protection he has there (in Tamil Nadu), whenever he comes to Mumbai, he will be welcomed in a good ‘Shiv Sena style’… It’s not a threat. Mumbai has this culture of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ and he considers himself a guest here (in Mumbai) now…What is there to get scared of, he should face the law and follow the procedure,”

Kamra, who is facing multiple FIRs, sought a week’s time to appear before Khar police after receiving a notice on.
He is accused of defamation and creating mischief over his parody video that referred to Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor). Another FIR was filed against him in Dombivli, following an earlier non-cognizable offense registered by a Shiv Sena functionary in Thane.
Shinde responded sharply to the controversy, equating Kamra’s satire to “taking a supari (contract)” and emphasizing that “action causes a reaction.” He remarked, “Freedom of speech is there. We understand satire. But there should be a limit.”
The controversy escalated when Shinde-led Shiv Sena workers vandalized Habitat Studio, the venue where Kamra performed. Twelve party workers were arrested and cases were registered against 40 individuals. The BMC later reached the studio to demolish an alleged illegal structure, prompting the venue’s owners to request time for self-demolition.
In response, Habitat Studio distanced itself from Kamra’s statements, saying, “The Habitat is not involved in the making of the recent video of Kunal Kamra and does not endorse the views expressed by it.” The venue has temporarily shut down, citing security concerns.
The Maharashtra government has taken a firm stand, with CM Devendra Fadnavis demanding an apology from Kamra. He suggested that the comedian was being supported by the opposition, pointing out that Kamra had shared a picture holding a red Constitution book, similar to Rahul Gandhi.
“When you attack the freedom of others, your freedom is restricted. If you insult people on constitutional posts to create disturbances by taking supari (contract) to get publicity, it will not be tolerated,” Fadnavis warned.
In contrast, opposition leaders have backed Kamra. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray defended him, stating, “Kamra merely expressed his views. He stated the facts and voiced public opinion.” He further accused the ruling faction of selective outrage, asking why they did not react similarly when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was insulted.
Despite mounting pressure, Kamra has refused to apologize, stating, “I don’t fear the mob & I will not be hiding under my bed, waiting for this to die down.” He emphasized that his joke was similar to statements made by Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar about Shinde.
Adding to Kamra’s legal troubles, a fresh non-cognizable offense was registered against him at Wagale Police Station in Thane. The complaint, filed by Yuva Sena member Rupesh Mishra, alleges that Kamra performed a satirical song about Shinde during one of his shows. Kamra has been booked under Section 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Meanwhile, Kamra secured interim anticipatory bail from the Madras high court until April 7. The comedian informed the court that he has been residing in Villupuram, Tamil Nadu, since 2021. The court granted relief, stating that Kamra had provided a valid reason for not approaching a Maharashtra court immediately.
Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra tourism minister Shambhuraj Desai urged police to arrest Kamra promptly, cautioning against testing party workers’ patience. “We have been asked by Shinde to observe restraint, that is why we are quiet. As Shiv Sena workers, we know how to drag him out from wherever he is hiding, but as ministers, we have some restrictions,” Desai remarked. He further warned, “Do not test our patience. Nab him from wherever he is and put him in a tyre and give him ‘prasad’.”