Kunal Kamra Controversy: MP Priyanka Chaturvedi of Shiv Sena (UBT) criticized Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over an incident where Shiv Sena (Shinde) supporters reportedly vandalized a Mumbai auditorium in response to comedian Kunal Kamra’s comments about Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
“(Devendra) Fadnavis ji, the Home Minister must take pride in his coalition partner,” Chaturvedi stated on X on March 24 following an alleged ransacking of a hotel in Mumbai’s Khar district where stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra recorded his latest show, during which he labeled Eknath Shinde a “traitor” (Gaddar), according to police reports.
Fadnavis, who serves as chief minister, also holds the Home Minister position in the Mahayuti coalition involving the Bharatiya Janata Party, Shiv Sena (Shinde), and NCP.
The Shiv Sena faction led by Shinde was established in 2022 in Maharashtra, with Eknath Shinde at the helm, who ultimately became the chief minister. Following a significant victory in the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly Elections, Shinde assumed the role of deputy chief minister alongside Fadnavis.
What Did Kunal Kamra Say?
Shiv Sena workers vandalized the hotel’s auditorium, calling for police action against Kamra. This incident took place after a video of Kamra’s performance circulated widely on social media.
The video, in which Kamra ridiculed Shinde using a modified version of a Hindi song from Shahrukh Khan’s movie Dil To Pagal Hai, was also shared by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, who referred to it as “Kunal Ka Kamal.”
Threats Against Kamra
Previously, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske warned Kamra, claiming that party workers would pursue him throughout the country. “You will be compelled to leave India,” Mhaske stated in a video message.
As of now, police have not confirmed whether any FIR has been filed against Kamra following the vandalism incident.
Devendra Fadnavis ji, the Home Minister must take pride in his coalition partner.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and MLA Aaditya Thackeray denounced the attack on the venue, labeling it an act of cowardice.
In a post on X, Thackeray remarked, “Mindhe’s (referring to Shinde) cowardly gang disrupts the stage of a comedy show where Kunal Kamra performed a song about Eknath Shinde, which was completely accurate. Only an insecure coward would react to someone’s song.”
