Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra is facing serious backlash from Shiv Sena workers after he mocked Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during a recent show in Mumbai. The event took place at "The Unicontinental Mumbai" hotel in Khar, and Kamra’s comments have sparked protests, vandalism, and police complaints.

Shiv Sena workers ransack hotel office

Following Kamra's performance, angry Shiv Sena members attacked the office of "The Unicontinental Mumbai," where the show was held. The workers also gathered at the Khar Police Station to file a complaint against the comedian.

Kamra’s joke referred to Eknath Shinde as a "traitor" (Gaddar) and included a parody of a Hindi song from the movie Dil To Pagal Hai. This was a clear reference to Shinde’s 2022 rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray, which split the Shiv Sena. At that time, Thackeray was the chief minister and party leader.

The remarks didn’t sit well with Shinde’s supporters, who demanded Kamra's arrest.

Political leaders react

Several Shiv Sena leaders have spoken out against Kamra. Naresh Mhaske, a Shiv Sena MP from Thane, accused Kamra of taking money from Uddhav Thackeray to insult Eknath Shinde.

"Kamra is a contract comedian. But he should not have stepped on the tail of a snake. Once the fangs are out, there will be dire consequences," Mhaske said. He also warned, "We will make sure you cannot move freely throughout the country. We are Shiv Sainiks of the late Balasaheb Thackeray. If we start following you, you will have to leave the country."

Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel added that he plans to file an FIR (First Information Report) against Kamra at the MIDC police station. "I will show Kamra his level," Patel said, demanding an apology from the comedian.

On the other side, Aaditya Thackeray, Uddhav Thackeray’s son, and a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader criticised the state’s law and order in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Sanjay Raut, another Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, also defended Kamra. He posted, "Kunal Kamra is a well-known writer and standup comedian. Kunal composed a parody song on Maharashtra's political scenario, which irked the Shinde gang and then ransacked the studio. Devendraji, you are a weak home minister."

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