Comedian Kunal Kamra's 'traitor' jibe at Maha Dy CM Eknath Shinde sparks outrage, Shiv Sena files police complaint

A political controversy erupted after comedian Kunal Kamra uploaded a video on his official YouTube channel on Sunday, in which he referred to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a "traitor." The video, which comments on Maharashtra politics, has led to a heated exchange between Kamra and the Shinde-led faction of the Shiv Sena.

The video has sparked sharp criticism from members of the Shiv Sena faction led by Shinde. Party leaders and workers have condemned Kamra’s remarks, accusing him of making derogatory statements against the Deputy CM.

Following the video's release, Shinde faction leader Rahul Kanal filed a formal complaint against Kamra at the Khar Police Station in Mumbai, demanding strict action against the comedian.

Complaint Filed Against Kunal Kamra

Kanal's complaint alleges that Kamra made offensive remarks about Eknath Shinde during a recent live show at The Uni Continental Club in Khar West. According to the complaint, Kamra performed a song mocking Shinde, which the Shiv Sena faction found objectionable.

After reports of the performance spread, some Shiv Sena workers allegedly stormed the venue, questioned the club management, and vandalized property. The Shinde faction has called for Kamra’s arrest, demanding that a case be registered against him.

Police have yet to confirm whether an FIR has been officially registered.

Shiv Sena Workers Vandalize Venue

Shiv Sena workers vandalized Hotel Unicontinental in Mumbai’s Khar area, where Kamra's show was filmed. They also urged police to file an FIR against the comedian.

During his performance, Kamra had sung a modified version of a Hindi song from the movie Dil To Pagal Hai, replacing the lyrics to call Eknath Shinde a "gaddar" (traitor), which drew laughter from the audience. He later shared the clip on X (formerly Twitter).

Kamra's remarks referenced Shinde's 2022 rebellion, which led to the Shiv Sena split, dividing the party into the Shinde and Thackeray factions.

Shiv Sena Leaders Issue Warnings

Shiv Sena leader and Thane MP Naresh Mhaske launched a scathing attack on Kamra, calling him a "contract comedian."

“Kamra should not have stepped on the tail of a snake. Once the fangs are out, there will be dire consequences,” Mhaske warned. He accused Kamra of being paid by Uddhav Thackeray to target Shinde.

“We will ensure that Kamra cannot move freely across the country. If we start following him, he will have to leave India,” Mhaske threatened.

Mhaske also criticized Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut for sharing the video, alleging that Raut was using Kamra for political gains.

Political Reactions and Condemnations

Sanjay Raut responded to the controversy, defending Kamra in a post on X: “Kunal Kamra is a well-known writer and stand-up comedian. He composed a parody song on Maharashtra politics, which angered the Shinde gang, leading to vandalism. Devendraji, you are a weak home minister.”

Raut tagged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis in his post.

Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel said he would take legal action against Kamra. “I will file an FIR at MIDC police station. Kamra must apologize,” Patel stated.

Aaditya Thackeray Condemns Vandalism

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray slammed the attack on the comedy venue, calling it an act of cowardice.

“Mindhe’s (Shinde’s) coward gang breaks the stage where @kunalkamra88 performed a song about Eknath Mindhe, which was 100% true. Only an insecure coward would react this way,” Thackeray posted on X.

He further questioned Maharashtra's law and order situation, accusing Shinde of undermining the CM and Home Minister.

Shiv Sena Leaders Demand Kamra's Arrest

Shiv Sena spokesperson Krishna Hegde warned Kamra, stating that party workers were enraged by his comments.

“The comedian will receive ‘Shiv Sena treatment.’ No Shiv Sainik will tolerate such remarks against Eknath Shinde,” Hegde said.

Shiv Sena leader Milind Deora also criticized Kamra, calling his comments elitist and classist. “Mocking Eknath Shinde ji—a self-made leader who went from being an auto driver to leading India’s second-largest state—reflects classist arrogance,” Deora wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Krishna Hegde demanded Kamra's arrest, labeling him a “habitual offender.” He reminded that Kamra had previously faced a six-month airline ban and warned of further consequences.

“Mumbai Police should arrest Kamra. He should be put behind bars for his derogatory comments. No Shiv Sena worker will tolerate this insult to Maharashtra’s Deputy CM,” Hegde stated.

(With IANS Inputs)