Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray addressed the controversy surrounding comedian Kunal Kamra, on Monday, where he stated that there was nothing wrong with the video in question. 

He said, “Gaddar ko Gaddar nahi bolenge toh kya bolenge?” (If we don’t call a traitor a traitor, then what should we call them?). He further asserted that Kamra had not said anything inappropriate, and if anyone doubted it, they could watch and listen to the video themselves.

Speaking in Marathi, Thackeray remarked that Kamra had spoken the truth, and if the truth was so problematic, then the national motto “Satyameva Jayate” (Truth Alone Triumphs) should be replaced with “GaddarMeva Jayate” (Traitors Alone Triumph).

He also clarified that the attack on Kamra’s show had nothing to do with Shiv Sena. He claimed that Shiv Sena did not vandalise the venue, saying, “It was all done by the ‘Gaddar Sena’ (traitor faction).”

Thackeray concluded by asserting that those who are traitors can never be true Shiv Sainiks.

Uproar in Mumbai over Kunal Kamra’s show

A political controversy erupted on Monday, after stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra uploaded a video on his official YouTube channel, in which he allegedly 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 name plate 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.