- विज्ञापन -
Mumbai: Shiv Sena workers stormed a venue hosting stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra’s performance, vandalizing the property after he insulted Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, calling him a “traitor.”
The incident was sparked by a video in which Kamra performed a satirical song aimed at Shinde, which went viral and incited outrage among members of the Shiv Sena faction led by Shinde. In response, party activists disrupted the event at The Uni Continental Club in Khar, causing damage and defacing the hotel’s nameplate with black spray paint.
Mumbai Police reported that Shiv Sena leader Rrahul Kanal, along with over 20 associates, has been charged with vandalism following the protest. Additionally, Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel has lodged a complaint against Kamra at the MIDC Police Station, citing sections 353(1)(b), 353(2), and 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for the comedian’s derogatory remarks.
The controversy escalated when Kamra released a modified version of a song from Dil To Pagal Hai, in which he sang, “Meri nazar se tum dekho to gaddar nazar wo aaye. Haaye,” garnering cheers from his audience but drawing ire from the Shiv Sena. Kanal claimed these remarks were offensive and constituted an insult to Shinde.
Rrahul Kanal filed a complaint on grounds that Kamra’s performance was aimed specifically at Shinde to demean him. Following the release of the video, Shiv Sena supporters congregated at the venue, demanding Kamra’s arrest for his disrespectful comments.
The political feud heightened with Shiv Sena’s Thane MP Naresh Mhaske attacking Kamra, labeling him a “contract comedian” allegedly compensated by Uddhav Thackeray to target Shinde. Mhaske warned of dire consequences for Kamra, stating that his actions would make it difficult for the comedian to travel freely across the country.
Mhaske also criticized Uddhav’s faction for lacking political support and relying on figures like Kamra for attacks against rivals. He targeted Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut for defending Kamra on social media, suggesting that the Shinde faction was suppressing dissent through intimidation.
Amidst the ongoing controversy, Patel expressed his commitment to ensure Kamra issues an apology. He stated that the comedian would soon realize the ramifications of his actions. Shiv Sena leader Milind Deora condemned Kamra’s remarks as classist and dismissive of Shinde’s rise from being an auto driver to a leading political figure.
Spokesperson Krishna Hegde expressed the party’s deep anger over Kamra’s remarks and called for his immediate arrest, warning that he would face consequences from Shiv Sena leaders. Hegde also recalled Kamra’s previous issues with offensive comments against political figures, anticipating a strong reaction to his latest remarks on Eknath Shinde.
