Comedian Kunal Kamra has sparked controversy after his recent stand-up act, Naya Bharat, where he referred to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a "gaddar" (traitor) in a spoof of a Bollywood song. The video of his performance went viral, leading Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) workers to vandalize the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai's Khar area and Hotel Unicontinental, where the show was recorded.
Key Developments:
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Legal Action: An FIR has been filed against Kamra by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges of defamation and statements conducing to public mischief.
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Political Reactions: Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske warned Kamra of "dire consequences," claiming he would be chased across the country and forced to leave India. Meanwhile, Aaditya Thackeray from the rival Shiv Sena (UBT) condemned the vandalism, calling it a "cowardly act."
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Escalating Tensions: The incident has reignited political rivalry between the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Uddhav Thackeray's faction, with accusations that Kamra is being used as a "contract comedian" by opposition forces.
Kamra responded to the backlash with a post on X, holding a pocket-sized Constitution and captioning it "The only way forward," emphasizing his stance on free speech amidst growing political pressure. Mumbai police are investigating both the vandalism and Kamra’s remarks.