Controversial stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has once again found himself at the centre of a political storm after his latest show, ‘Naya Bharat,’ took a swipe at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. In the wake of Kamra’s video going viral, enraged Shiv Sena workers vandalised a Mumbai hotel where the show was recorded, setting off a fierce backlash.
The situation escalated further when a group of Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena workers stormed Kamra’s studio in Mumbai’s Khar, ransacking the premises and vandalising property. Protesters also burnt pictures of Kamra in a public display of anger. Adding to the controversy, Shiv Sena leader Rahul Kanal filed a police complaint against Kamra, accusing him of orchestrating a “pre-planned criminal conspiracy” to malign Shinde’s reputation.
Shinde Sena workers takes staff and property to cleaners that was involved at Kunal Kamra's controversial show.
Legally he might get bail easily but Shinde's workers might not spare him easily this rime. https://t.co/6wbhOhNdoD pic.twitter.com/nf29772ght
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) March 23, 2025
“They broke into the place screaming abuses, demanding that Kamra be arrested immediately,” said a hotel staff member who requested anonymity. “We had to lock ourselves in a room to avoid being hurt.”
Hours later, another group of Sena workers targeted Kamra’s own studio in Khar, vandalising property and setting posters ablaze. “This is a direct attack on free speech,” said a local resident who witnessed the attack. “Regardless of what he said about Shinde, this kind of violent response is unacceptable.”
The ‘Naya Bharat’ Controversy: What Did Kamra Say?
During his stand-up special ‘Naya Bharat,’ Kamra criticised Shinde’s 2022 defection from Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena to align with the BJP, referring to him as a ‘traitor.’ He performed a spoof song to the tune of ‘Dil To Pagal Hai,’ making sarcastic references to a ‘leader from Thane’ who had compromised his political ideals. Though Kamra did not explicitly name Shinde, the implications were clear. The video quickly went viral, drawing ire from Shiv Sena workers who accused Kamra of defamation, obscenity, and conspiracy. Shiv Sena leader Rahul Kanal lodged a police complaint against Kamra, accusing him of running a “systematic paid campaign to tarnish the image of Eknath Shinde.”
Meanwhile, an FIR has since been registered against Kamra, based on a complaint filed by Shiv Sena MLA Muraji Patel. The FIR alleges that Kamra “used derogatory language, made offensive remarks, and insulted Maharashtra’s leadership,” demanding immediate legal action.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding comedian Kunal Kamra, emphasising the importance of adhering to legal boundaries.
Speaking to media, Pawar remarked, “I have seen that. Nobody should go beyond the law, Constitution, and rules. They should express themselves within their rights.”
Pawar acknowledged the possibility of differing opinions but urged restraint to avoid unnecessary escalation. “There can be differences of opinion, but it should be noted that there need not be police involvement when they are talking,” he added.
Maharashtra: Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Comedian Kunal Kamra's 'Gaddar' remarks against Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde says, "…I have observed that no one should go beyond the law, constitution, and rules. One should speak within their rights. Differences of… pic.twitter.com/unf8fxsIXT
— IANS (@ians_india) March 24, 2025
His comments came amid controversy triggered by Kamra’s alleged remarks on Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC also lashed out at Kamra, accusing the comedian of veering into vulgarity.
“You call Maharashtra’s most popular CM and deputy CM ‘gaddaar’ and label it comedy. This isn’t comedy – it’s vulgarity.” The Shiv Sena leader further questioned Kamra’s intentions, alleging he was being manipulated by the UBT faction of the Shiv Sena. “Who is this Kunal Kamra, hired and used as a puppet by UBT as a diversionary tactic? Can you stoop so low for cheap publicity?” she stated.
#WATCH | On comedian Kunal Kamra row, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC says, "You call Maharashtra's most popular CM and Deputy CM, 'gaddaar' and then call that comedy. This is not comedy but vulgarity. Who is this Kunal Kamra who has been hired and used as a puppet by UBT as a… pic.twitter.com/guOj2W2KVd
— ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2025
Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske, reacting to the controversy, stated that Kunal Kamra is a hired comedian who is making comments on his party’s leader for some money. Mhaske added that he feels sorry for Sanjay Raut and the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction because he was left with no other party workers to comment on Eknath Shinde.
“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”, Naresh Mhaske said while speaking to media on March 23.
Mumbai, Maharashtra: Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske says, "I will not let you roam not only in Maharashtra, but also in India. Don't try to interfere in our business…" pic.twitter.com/rqLPLEfZsT
— IANS (@ians_india) March 23, 2025
Mhaske added that they follow Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology and emphasised that Kunal Kamra will get a befitting reply. “We follow the ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray, and we will make sure Kunal Kamra is not free to move around- neither in Maharashtra nor in the country. Kunal Kamra will get a befitting reply, and he will come and apologise for his mistake”, he added.
Another leader, Sanjay Nirupam, went a step further, saying, “We will thrash Kunal Kamra tomorrow at 11 o’clock.” The aggressive rhetoric has sparked concern among civil rights activists, who argue that the ruling party is using intimidation tactics to silence critics.
This is not the first time Kamra has faced legal action for his outspoken views. Here is a look at his past run-ins with the law:
- Contempt of Court (2020): Faced contempt proceedings for mocking the Supreme Court over Arnab Goswami’s bail.
- IndiGo Airlines Ban (2020): Banned for six months for confronting Goswami mid-flight.
- Insult to National Emblem (2022): Accused of mocking ‘The Kashmir Files’ through a morphed COVID certificate.
- Contempt of National Flag (2022): Faced a case for allegedly insulting the Indian flag in a social media post.
- Defamation Case (2021): Sued for defamation over comments against a BJP leader.
- Harassment Complaint (2019): Complaint filed for allegedly harassing a right-wing journalist.
- Airport Security Violation (2021): Detained for allegedly causing a disturbance at an airport.
- Mocking the Judiciary (2023): Legal notice sent for continued criticism of courts.
- Election Code Violation (2019): Faced complaint for allegedly influencing voters via social media.
- Brahmin-Baniya Remark (2022): Petition filed against Kamra for calling the Supreme Court a “Brahmin-Baniya affair.”
