Mumbai: Comedian Kunal Kamra has stirred controversy after referring to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a “traitor” in a recent stand-up performance.
The remarks, made during a live show at The Uni Continental Club in Khar West, have sparked sharp backlash from Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction, culminating in a police complaint filed by Shiv Sena leader Rahul Kanal at the Khar Police Station.
The complaint alleges that Kamra’s performance included a parody song mocking Shinde’s 2022 rebellion, which led to the Shiv Sena split.
A video of the performance, later shared by Kamra on social media, drew outrage from Shiv Sena workers, some of whom reportedly vandalised the show’s venue.
The party has demanded Kamra’s arrest for his alleged derogatory comments.
Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske accused Kamra of being hired by the Uddhav Thackeray faction to malign Shinde, warning of “dire consequences.”
He further stated, “If we start following you, you will have to leave the country.”
Other party leaders, including MLA Murji Patel, have called for Kamra’s apology and vowed legal action.
Meanwhile, Aaditya Thackeray, leader of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction, condemned the vandalism, calling it an act of “cowardice.”
In a social media post, Thackeray mocked the Shinde faction as insecure, questioning the state’s law and order under Shinde and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
The controversy has also drawn reactions from various political figures. Shiv Sena-UBT leader Sanjay Raut defended Kamra, framing the backlash as an attempt to suppress dissent.
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Conversely, Shiv Sena leader Milind Deora criticised Kamra’s remarks, calling them classist and disrespectful to Shinde’s journey from an auto driver to a prominent political leader.
Police have yet to confirm whether an FIR has been officially registered against Kamra.
The comedian, known for his sharp political satire, has faced similar controversies in the past, including a temporary airline ban for his actions.
