Shiv Sena leader threatens Kunal Kamra over Shinde joke: ‘Won’t let you move freely’

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra faces backlash from Shiv Sena leaders over a joke targeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The joke, featured in Kamra’s show at Hotel Unicontinental in Mumbai’s Khar, included a ‘gaddar’ (traitor) jibe. Without naming Shinde, Kamra mocked him by altering a song from the movie Dil Toh Pagal Hai.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut shared Kamra’s video on X with the caption, “Kunal Ka Kamal” (The wonder of Kunal), drawing more attention to the joke. However, Shinde’s loyalists reacted sharply, issuing warnings and taking action.

Outraged by the remarks, Sena workers vandalized the Khar hotel where the show was filmed. Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske called Kamra a “contract comedian” and warned him against mocking Shinde. “You shouldn’t step on a snake’s tail. Once the fangs are out, there will be dire consequences,” Mhaske declared.

Mhaske further threatened to restrict Kamra’s movements. “We will make sure you cannot move freely across the country. We are Balasaheb Thackeray’s Shiv Sainiks. If we follow you, you will have to leave India,” he warned.

Accusing Kamra of political bias, Mhaske alleged that Uddhav Thackeray paid the comedian to insult Shinde. “Uddhav’s party is so weak that it hires people like Kamra to attack Shinde. He will soon face the consequences,” Mhaske added. He also criticized Raut for promoting the video online.

After the vandalism, Raut fired back on X. He defended Kamra, calling him a respected writer and comedian. “Kunal created a parody song about Maharashtra’s political scene. Shinde’s gang couldn’t handle it and ransacked the studio. Devendraji, you are a weak home minister,” Raut posted, taking a swipe at Maharashtra’s Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel also lashed out at Kamra. “I will show Kamra his level,” Patel threatened, demanding an apology from the comedian. He announced plans to file an FIR against Kamra at the MIDC police station.

Despite the threats, Kamra has not responded publicly. The controversy continues to escalate, with both factions of Shiv Sena trading barbs and intensifying political tensions in Maharashtra.