Comedian Kunal Kamra’s recent stand-up act, Naya Bharat, has sparked a major controversy after he made jokes about Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde. Following the viral video of his act, angry Shiv Sena workers vandalized the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai’s Khar area, where Kamra had performed.
Why is There a Controversy?
During his act, Kamra made fun of Maharashtra politics, referring to the split in Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). He used the word gaddar (traitor) to describe a politician, which many believed was aimed at Shinde. This led to outrage among Shiv Sena workers, who accused Kamra of being a “traitor.”
Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel even filed a police complaint against Kamra, while another party leader, Naresh Mhaske, threatened that Kamra would be forced to leave India.
Attack on Habitat Comedy Club
A group of Shiv Sena workers stormed the Habitat Comedy Club, damaging property in response to Kamra’s act. The club later issued a statement, saying:
“We support creative expression and provide a space for artists to perform. Violence and destruction go against the spirit of art and dialogue.”
The Habitat also clarified that they were not responsible for Kamra’s content and do not endorse his views. However, due to repeated attacks, they announced that they would shut down temporarily:
“We are deeply shocked and broken by these events. Every time, we get targeted as if we are responsible for the performer’s words. We are shutting down until we figure out how to continue without putting ourselves at risk.”
Political Reactions
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut shared Kamra’s video on X with the caption Kunal Ka Kamal (Kunal’s brilliance). Meanwhile, Aaditya Thackeray criticized the attack on the comedy club, calling it an act of cowardice.
In contrast, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske accused Kamra of being paid by Uddhav Thackeray’s faction to target Shinde. He also warned Kamra of “dire consequences” for mocking Shinde.
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What Happens Next?
Mumbai police are investigating the case, and the political tension around the incident continues. While some leaders defend Kamra’s right to free speech, others are calling for action against him.
This incident has once again raised questions about freedom of expression and political intolerance in India.
