A major political controversy has erupted after stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra uploaded a video on his official YouTube channel, in which he referred to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a "traitor." The video, featuring a satirical song mocking Shinde, has triggered strong backlash from the Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, leading to protests, vandalism, and legal action against the comedian.

The controversy escalated after Shiv Sena workers stormed the venue of Kamra's show in Mumbai’s Khar area, vandalising property and defacing the hotel’s nameplate by spraying black ink on it. The Mumbai Police confirmed that Shiv Sena leader Rrahul Kanal, along with over 20 others, has been booked for vandalism during the protest at Khar Police Station.

Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel has also filed a complaint against Kamra at the MIDC Police Station under sections 353(1)(b), 353(2), and 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), demanding legal action against the comedian for his remarks.

Kamra’s contentious remarks came during a live performance at The Uni Continental Club in Khar West, where he used a modified version of a song from the Bollywood film Dil To Pagal Hai, changing the lyrics to: "Meri nazar se tum dekho to gaddar nazar wo aaye. Haaye." The video quickly went viral on social media, drawing sharp reactions from Shinde’s supporters.

Following the video's circulation, Shiv Sena leader Rrahul Kanal filed a formal complaint, alleging that Kamra’s remarks were derogatory and offensive towards Eknath Shinde. In response, enraged party workers gathered at the venue, questioning the club’s management before resorting to vandalism.

The political slugfest intensified as Shiv Sena's Thane Lok Sabha MP Naresh Mhaske lashed out at Kamra, accusing him of being a “contract comedian” allegedly funded by Uddhav Thackeray to target Shinde. He warned Kamra of severe repercussions, stating, “He should not have stepped on the tail of a snake. Once the fangs are out, there will be dire consequences.”

Mhaske further threatened that Shiv Sena workers would make it difficult for Kamra to move freely across the country, adding that the comedian would “realise the consequences” of mocking Shinde.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut came to Kamra’s defense, sharing the video on social media platform X and criticising the Shinde faction for using intimidation tactics. Raut tagged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in his post, calling Fadnavis a “weak home minister” for failing to prevent such acts of violence.

Shiv Sena spokesperson Krishna Hegde also condemned Kamra’s remarks, warning that the comedian would face “Shiv Sena treatment” and asserting that party workers were deeply angered by his comments. Hegde demanded Kamra’s immediate arrest, calling for strict legal action against him.

Shiv Sena leader Milind Deora also criticized Kamra, accusing him of classist arrogance and dismissing Shinde’s rise from being an auto driver to leading Maharashtra. “Mocking Eknath Shinde ji reflects the entitled mindset of a privileged ecosystem that falsely claims to stand for democracy and meritocracy,” Deora wrote on X.

Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel vowed to take further legal action against Kamra, stating that he would ensure the comedian apologises. “We will show him his place,” Patel warned.

On the other hand, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray condemned the attack on Kamra’s show venue, calling it an act of cowardice. He took to X, saying, “Mindhe’s (Shinde’s) coward gang breaks the comedy show stage because someone made a song about them. Only an insecure coward would react this way.”

The incident has once again put a spotlight on the increasingly hostile political environment in Maharashtra, where humor and satire have led to legal consequences and violent reactions. While police are yet to confirm whether an FIR has been officially registered against Kamra, the case has already sparked a larger debate on freedom of expression and political intolerance in the state.

(With inputs from Syndicated feed)