Lagatar24 Desk
Mumbai: Tensions escalated in Maharashtra’s political circles after a group of 12 Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) workers, arrested for vandalising comedian Kunal Kamra’s show venue in Mumbai, were granted bail by a local court. The accused were released on a personal bond of ₹15,000 each after being presented before the court earlier on Monday.
The incident took place at Habitat Studio in Mumbai, where Kamra had performed a stand-up show. The attack followed Kamra’s satirical video based on a parody of a Hindi film song from Dil To Pagal Hai, mocking Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde over his 2022 rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray. After the video went viral on social media, Shinde faction workers stormed the venue and caused property damage, according to police.
Call Record, Bank Statement Under Probe
The matter took a political turn when Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam informed the Legislative Council that an investigation would be launched into Kamra’s call data records (CDR) and bank statements. The objective, he stated, is to determine whether there was a deeper conspiracy behind Kamra’s remarks against CM Eknath Shinde.
Fadnavis Reacts, Demands Apology
Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned Kamra’s parody, asserting that it insulted Eknath Shinde. “This is not humour. Humour is acceptable, but mocking and defaming senior leaders is not,” he said. Fadnavis added that Kamra should apologise and stated that such acts would not be tolerated.
He also referenced the 2024 Assembly elections, saying, “The people have voted against traitors. Those who acted against the state’s interest have been sent home.”
Uddhav Thackeray Defends Kamra
In a contrasting response, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray defended the comedian, saying Kamra had not said anything wrong. “Calling a traitor a traitor is not an attack,” Thackeray stated. “Listen to the entire song and let others hear it too. This attack was carried out by the traitor army, not by Shiv Sena. Those who carry betrayal in their blood can never be Shiv Sainiks.”
