Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel also demanded an apology within two days, warning that failure to comply would result in Kamra being unable to “move freely in Mumbai,” with threats of further action like painting his face black
KRC TIMES Desk
Kunal Kamra has indeed stirred up a significant controversy with his recent stand-up performance targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. During a show at the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai, Kamra reportedly mocked Shinde, referring to him as a “gaddar” (traitor) through a parody song set to the tune of “Dil To Pagal Hai.” The performance alluded to Shinde’s 2022 rebellion against Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray, which led to a split in the party and Shinde’s eventual rise to the deputy chief minister position.
This has triggered a fierce backlash from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction. On March 23, 2025, over 35 Shiv Sena workers vandalized the venue where the show was recorded, smashing chairs and lights at the Unicontinental Mumbai Hotel in Khar. Party leaders have issued strong threats, with Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske warning that Kamra would be “chased by party workers throughout the country” and “forced to flee India,” accusing him of being a “hired comedian” paid by the rival Shiv Sena (UBT) faction led by Uddhav Thackeray. Another leader, Sanjay Nirupam, threatened “punitive action” against Kamra, stating it would occur at 11 AM today, March 24, 2025.
Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel also demanded an apology within two days, warning that failure to comply would result in Kamra being unable to “move freely in Mumbai,” with threats of further action like painting his face black.
An FIR has been filed against Kamra under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for defamation, spreading false statements, and provoking breach of peace, following a complaint by Patel at the MIDC police station. Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction, including Aaditya Thackeray and Sanjay Raut, has defended Kamra, calling the vandalism a “cowardly” act and framing it as an attack on free speech. This has sparked a broader political debate, with the Shinde faction alleging a conspiracy involving opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Uddhav Thackeray, while the opposition accuses the ruling faction of intolerance.
