Mumbai witnessed a fresh political storm after comedian Kunal Kamra’s satirical take on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde triggered outrage among Shiv Sena workers. The controversy escalated when party members vandalized a hotel in Khar, where Kamra’s stand-up show was recorded, demanding an apology.
Political Satire Turns Into Legal Battle
Kamra, known for his sharp political humor, made remarks about Shinde in his show Naya Bharat, referring to his party switch and alliance with the BJP. A clip from the show, shared by Kamra himself, featured a parody of Dil To Pagal Hai, indirectly alluding to Shinde’s political journey. Though he did not explicitly name the leader, the reference was widely understood.
In response, Shiv Sena leader Rahul Kanal filed a police complaint against Kamra, alleging a “pre-planned conspiracy” to tarnish Shinde’s image. An FIR was registered based on a complaint by Shiv Sena MLA Muraji Patel. The complaint accused Kamra of making defamatory and obscene remarks that hurt public sentiments.
Sena Workers Take to the Streets, Threats Issued
Following the viral video, a group of Sena workers stormed the hotel, vandalized property, and disrupted operations. Meanwhile, senior Shiv Sena leaders escalated their rhetoric. Sanjay Nirupam openly threatened Kamra, stating, “We will thrash him tomorrow at 11 o’clock.” Sena MP Naresh Mhaske warned that Kamra would be hounded across the country and might have to leave India.
The Shiv Sena (UBT), led by Uddhav Thackeray, condemned the attack, distancing itself from the violent actions of Shinde’s faction. The incident has reignited debates on political intolerance and freedom of expression, with supporters and critics weighing in on Kamra’s right to satire versus the limits of political humour.
