Shiv Sena Workers Vandalize Mumbai Hotel Over Kunal Kamra’s ‘Gaddar’ Jibe at Eknath Shinde
Mumbai: Shiv Sena workers vandalized a hotel in Mumbai’s Khar area on Sunday after stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra made a remark about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during his show. The incident occurred at Hotel Unicontinental, where the performance was filmed.
According to police officials, the protest erupted after Kamra’s jibe against Shinde went viral on social media. Shiv Sena workers stormed the hotel’s auditorium, ransacking the venue and demanding an FIR against the comedian. Later, they gathered at Khar Police Station to lodge a complaint.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut also shared the viral video on X (formerly Twitter), captioning it “Kunal Ka Kamal.”
What Did Kunal Kamra Say?
During his performance, Kamra modified a song from the Bollywood film Dil To Pagal Hai, mocking Shinde. The joke drew laughter from the audience but sparked outrage among Shinde’s supporters.
Political Reactions
Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske issued a strong warning to Kamra, stating in a video message, “You will be forced to flee India. Sena workers will pursue you across the country.”
On the other hand, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray condemned the attack, calling it an act of cowardice. In a post on X, he wrote, “Mindhe’s coward gang breaks the comedy show stage where comedian @kunalkamra88 put out a song on Eknath Mindhe, which was 100% true. Only an insecure coward would react to a song.”
Thackeray also questioned the state’s law and order situation, stating, “By the way, law and order in the state? Another attempt to undermine the CM and Home Minister by Eknath Mindhe.”
Thackeray frequently refers to Shinde as “Mindhe,” a Marathi term meaning subservient, to mock him.
FIR Filed Against Kamra
Following the controversy, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) MLA Murji Patel lodged a First Information Report (FIR) at the MIDC Police Station against Kamra.
Speaking to reporters, Patel said, “We have filed an FIR against Kunal Kamra for his comments against our leader and Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. We demand swift action.”
Patel further warned that if Kamra did not apologize within two days, “Shiv Sainiks will not let him move freely in Mumbai. If he is seen in public, we will paint his face black. We will also raise this issue in the assembly and request the Home Minister to take action against him immediately.”
Kamra, known for his sharp political satire, uploaded a video on his official YouTube channel where he allegedly referred to Shinde as a “traitor.” The situation remains tense as political reactions continue to pour in.
