Stand-up Comedian Kunal Kamra has been facing backlash from Shiv Sena leaders for his alleged objectionable remarks against Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde. His remarks were delivered through a song, which he posted on his social media platform, X. Kamra captioned the video as: “Maharashtra.” In the video, he has taken a dig at Maharashtra’s political situation. Without naming DCM Shinde, he hinted at him through some well-known reference about the leader.
Shiv Sena leaders have demanded a public apology from Kamra. They vandalised the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar on Sunday. Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel has filed an FIR against Kamra and demanded strict actions against him. Patel added that he will raise the issue in the assembly and requested the state home minister to take strict actions against him.
What Led To The Controversy?
The controversy erupted after Kamra posted a video, captioned “Maharashtra” on X. The content of the video didn’t sit well with the Shiv Sena workers, as it targeted their leader and DCM Eknath Shinde. The event occurred over the weekend when the comedian made a provocative reference to Shinde’s role during the 2022 rebellion against then Chief Minister, Uddhav Thackeray. During his performance at the hotel, Kamra used offensive words like ‘Gaddar, Dalbadlu’, etc in an indirect reference to DCM Shinde. He also sang a modified version of Dil Toh Pagal Hai’ referring to the 2022 Maharashtra political crisis. The comedian also mentioned CM Devendra Fadnavis, stating, ‘Mantralay se Zyada, Fadnavis ki godi mein mil jaaye.” The lyrics began with the lines, “Thane ki rickshaw, Chehre pe daadhi…”
Maharashtra ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/FYaL8tnT1R
---Advertisement---— Kunal Kamra (@kunalkamra88) March 23, 2025
Political Leaders React On Controversy
Pramod Bhangire, Chief of Pune City Shiv Sena also expressed his disapproval. He stated that it is utterly shameful and unacceptable to insult the leadership and representatives of this land. He stressed that Shinde is a popular leader elected by the people of Maharashtra and has worked for the state’s development and public welfare.
Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske added that Kamra is a hired comedian who is making comments on his party’s leader for some money.
He told ANI, “Kunal Kamra is a hired comedian, and he is making comments on our leader for some money. Let alone Maharashtra, Kunal Kamra cannot freely go anywhere in India, Shiv Sainiks will show him his place. We feel sorry for Sanjay Raut and Shiv Sena (UBT) that they have no party workers or leaders left to make comments on our leader, which is why they are hiring people like him (Kunal Kamra) for the job.”
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi has shown support to Kamra on the issue. She wrote on X, “Dear Kunal, Stand strong. The man& the gang you exposed will go after you& so will his bikau people, but do understand the residents of the state share this sentiment! And like Voltaire said~ I Will Defend to Death Your Right to speak your mind.”
Dear Kunal,
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) March 23, 2025
Stand strong. The man& the gang you exposed will go after you& so will his bikau people, but do understand the residents of the state share this sentiment!
And like Voltaire said~ I Will Defend to Death Your Right to speak your mind https://t.co/06KHBQzoUC
