Comedian Under Fire: Kunal Kamra's 'Traitor' Jibe Sparks Controversy

Comedian Kunal Kamra faces backlash from Maharashtra's Chief Minister for calling Deputy CM Eknath Shinde a 'traitor' during a performance. After the parody, Shiv Sena supporters vandalized the venue. Authorities arrested several individuals, including a party functionary. Kamra has been urged to apologize for his remarks.

Kunal Kamra, a well-known stand-up comedian, is at the center of a political storm following a controversial performance in Mumbai. His remarks about Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, labeling him a 'traitor,' have led to backlash from Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who demands an apology.

Kamra sang a parody song at the Habitat Studio that alluded to Shinde's rebellion against former leader Uddhav Thackeray in 2022. Fadnavis condemned Kamra's act, asserting that the recent election results vindicate Shinde as the legitimate successor of Bal Thackeray's legacy. Fadnavis emphasized that while satire is acceptable, intentional insults are not.

The fallout from the episode intensified when Shiv Sena workers allegedly vandalized the venue. Mumbai police have since arrested several individuals, including a Shiv Sena functionary, in relation to the incident. An FIR has been registered against Kamra for his comments against Shinde, further escalating the tensions.

(With inputs from agencies.)