Key Points:
- Shiv Sena workers vandalized Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai after comedian Kunal Kamra called Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde a “traitor” in a YouTube video.
- Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske labeled Kamra a “hired comedian” and warned of consequences for his remarks.
- Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi supported Kamra, urging him to stay strong against backlash.
Mumbai: Shiv Sena workers stormed and vandalized the Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, Mumbai, on Sunday following stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra’s controversial comments about Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. In his latest YouTube video, Kamra referred to Shinde as a “traitor,” sparking outrage among Shiv Sena supporters. The incident unfolded shortly after the video gained traction on social media.
Reacting to the controversy, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske accused Kamra of being a “hired comedian” paid to criticize Shinde. Speaking to ANI, Mhaske said, “Kunal Kamra is commenting on our leader for money. Shiv Sainiks will ensure he cannot move freely anywhere in India. We pity Sanjay Raut and the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction for relying on people like him to attack our leader.”
Mhaske further emphasized that Shiv Sena follows the ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray and vowed that Kamra would face consequences for his remarks. “We will ensure Kunal Kamra apologizes for his mistake,” he added.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi voiced her support for Kamra, taking to her official ‘X’ handle (formerly Twitter). She wrote, “Dear Kunal, stay strong. The gang you exposed will come after you, but remember that the residents of the state share your sentiments. As Voltaire said, ‘I will defend to the death your right to speak your mind.’”
The incident has reignited debates over freedom of speech and political intolerance in Maharashtra, with opinions sharply divided between supporters of Eknath Shinde and advocates for artistic expression.
