NEW DELHI: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam threatened to take strong action against stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra for his comments about Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde in a YouTube video.
The threat came through a post on X on Monday, while Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel filed an FIR against Kamra at the MIDC police station.
Nirupam posted in Hindi on X, “We will do Dhulai of Kunal Kamra tomorrow at 11 o’clock.”
Patel demanded strict action and an apology from Kamra within two days, warning of restrictions on his movement in Mumbai.
“We have filed an FIR against Kunal Kamra for his comments against our leader and Maharashtra’s DCM Eknath Shinde. We have demanded quick action against him. I want to tell him to apologize to Eknath Shinde within two days; otherwise, Shiv Sainiks will not let him move about freely in Mumbai. If he is seen anywhere in public, we will paint his face black… We will take up this issue in the assembly and request our state’s home minister to order action against him as soon as possible,” said Patel.
The controversy escalated when Shiv Sena workers vandalized the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, where Kamra’s show was filmed.
Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske joined the criticism, calling Kamra a hired comedian making comments for money.
“Kunal Kamra is a hired comedian, and he is making comments on our leader for some money. Let alone Maharashtra, Kunal Kamra cannot freely go anywhere in India; Shiv Sainiks will show him his place. We feel sorry for Sanjay Raut and Shiv Sena (UBT) that they have no party workers or leaders left to make comments on our leader, which is why they are hiring people like him (Kunal Kamra) for the job,” said Mhaske.
The incident has sparked tensions between the political party and the comedy community, with threats of further action against Kamra if he doesn’t comply with their demands.
Patel indicated he would raise the issue in the assembly and has requested the state home minister to take strict actions against the comedian.