Mon Mar 24 03:38:00 UTC 2025: ## Comedian Kunal Kamra Faces Shiv Sena Backlash After Eknath Shinde Joke

**Mumbai, March 24, 2025** – Comedian Kunal Kamra is facing intense backlash from the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) after a stand-up routine targeting Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Kamra’s performance at the Unicontinental Mumbai hotel in Khar included a modified Hindi song referencing Shinde’s 2022 rebellion against then-Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, calling Shinde a “traitor.”

Following the performance and the subsequent posting of a video online, a group of Shiv Sena workers stormed the hotel, vandalizing the office where Kamra performed and issuing threats. Videos circulating online show party members, identifiable by their white clothing and orange scarves, throwing chairs and causing damage.

Several prominent Shiv Sena leaders have condemned Kamra and threatened further action. Sanjay Nirupam, a party leader, publicly vowed to “thrash” the comedian. Lok Sabha MP Naresh Mhaske accused Kamra of accepting money from Uddhav Thackeray to target Shinde, claiming there would be “dire consequences” for Kamra. Other party spokespeople echoed these sentiments, promising a harsh response. Milind Deora, another Shiv Sena leader, while criticizing Kamra’s actions, also suggested this was a politically motivated attack designed to deflect attention from legal troubles faced by the Uddhav Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena.

An FIR has been filed against Kamra by Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel, demanding an apology or facing further consequences, including potential public shaming. A separate FIR has been filed against 19 Shiv Sena workers for the hotel vandalism. A letter has also been submitted to the Mumbai Police seeking action not just against Kamra, but also against Aaditya Thackeray, Rahul Gandhi, and Sanjay Raut for alleged conspiracy. Yuva Sena, the youth wing of the party, staged a protest and burned Kamra’s photographs.

Opposition leaders have condemned the Shiv Sena’s actions, with Aaditya Thackeray questioning the state’s law and order situation and Priyanka Chaturvedi expressing support for Kamra. The incident highlights the ongoing political tensions in Maharashtra and raises concerns about freedom of expression.

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