Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Mar 24: Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has found himself at the center of a political firestorm after an FIR was filed against him over a video he uploaded on YouTube, in which he referred to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde as a "traitor."

Shiv Sena Minister Pratap Sarnaik alleged that Kamra has fled to Puducherry and stated that efforts are underway to seek police assistance for his arrest.

"Kunal Kamra is a pervert. He pretends to be protected by the Constitution while mocking it. He has now escaped to Puducherry, but we will ensure his arrest. We do not support vandalism, but no one will be allowed to disturb Mumbai's peace," Sarnaik said.

The controversy escalated after Shiv Sena workers stormed a Mumbai venue where Kamra's show was recorded, questioning the management and allegedly vandalizing the property. Following the incident, police arrested 11 Shiv Sena activists involved in the attack on the venue.

Shiv Sena deputy leader Sanjay Nirupam further escalated the rhetoric, claiming that Kamra is closely associated with the Congress ecosystem.

"Kamra participates in Rahul Gandhi’s padyatra and has been seen alongside Sharad Pawar and Supriya Sule. What he said was not humor—it was a serious allegation. Calling our leader a traitor is unacceptable. In 2022, over 40 MLAs joined Shinde to take Shiv Sena in the right direction. That was not betrayal. The real betrayal was Uddhav Thackeray abandoning Balasaheb’s Hindutva by aligning with Congress," Nirupam stated.

He further accused Kamra of acting at the behest of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, citing a photo of Kamra with Raut as alleged proof of their association.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena legislator Manisha Kayande demanded an immediate apology from Kamra, issuing a stern warning.

"If Kamra does not apologize within two days, we, the women Shiv Sainiks, will take action and blacken his face," she threatened.

BJP leader Mohit Kamboj also joined the fray, posting a cryptic message: "Right now, only the studio has been broken, but the real picture is yet to be made, my friend. Jai Shri Ram!"

With tensions rising, the incident has turned into a political battleground, highlighting deep rifts within Maharashtra's political landscape.