Comedian Kunal Kamra’s Satire on Eknath Shinde Sparks Controversy, Shiv Sena Workers Vandalize Show Venue

Comedian Kunal Kamra was involved in controversy. He made a dig at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during a stand-up show in Mumbai. The performance included a parody of a popular Hindi song from Dil To Pagal Hai. It referred to Shinde as a “gaddar” (traitor). It also mocked the recent political upheavals in the state. Kamra humorously remarked on the multiple splits in Maharashtra’s politics. He quipped, “Shiv Sena came out of BJP. Then, Shiv Sena came out of Shiv Sena. Finally, NCP came out of NCP. They gave nine buttons to one voter… everyone got confused.”

A post on X.com with video clip of questionable parody.

After the show, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) workers stormed Hotel Unicontinental in Mumbai’s Khar area. This is where the performance was held. They vandalized the venue. The group also demanded legal action against Kamra. An FIR was registered against Rahool Kanal, Yuva Sena general secretary. The same FIR included 19 others. They were charged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Maharashtra Police Act for the attack.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel filed a separate FIR against Kamra, accusing him of insulting Shinde. Patel gave Kamra a two-day ultimatum to issue a public apology. He warned that Shiv Sena workers would restrict Kamra’s movements in Mumbai if he failed to comply. Patel further threatened to have Kamra’s face blackened if he appeared in public. He vowed to raise the matter in the assembly. Patel urged the state’s home minister to take swift action.

Shiv Sena leaders dismissed Kamra as a “hired comedian” making provocative remarks for money. Party leader Mhaske claimed that Kamra would be unwelcome not just in Maharashtra but across India.

However, the opposition backed Kamra, condemning the violence. Aaditya Thackeray labeled the attack as an act of cowardice by “Mindhe’s gang,” mocking Shinde’s alleged insecurity. Sanjay Raut praised Kamra’s performance. He called it “Kunal Ka Kamal.” Priyanka Chaturvedi criticized the justification of violence over dissenting views.