Comedian Kunal Kamra’s ‘Traitor’ Jibe at Deputy CM Eknath Shinde Sparks Controversy and Venue Vandalism​

Comedian Kunal Kamra caused a big controversy after his recent stand-up show in Mumbai when he imitated a famous Hindi song to label Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde a “gaddar” (traitor). This act was a satirical reference to Shinde’s political realignment from the Shiv Sena to the BJP. ​​

Maharashtra ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/FYaL8tnT1R

— Kunal Kamra (@kunalkamra88) March 23, 2025

In reaction, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) workers vandalized the Habitat Comedy Club in Mumbai’s Khar area, where Kamra’s performance was recorded. They also filed a First Information Report (FIR) against the comedian, accusing him of defamation and demanding a public apology within two days. Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel warned that failure to apologize would restrict Kamra’s movements in Mumbai. ​

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#WATCH | Mumbai: Morning visuals from Habitat Comedy Club in Khar, which was vandalised by Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) workers last night after a backlash which arose after comedian Kunal Kamra’s remarks against Maharashtra DCM Eknath Shinde. pic.twitter.com/uBQwvYPIkB

— ANI (@ANI) March 24, 2025

The Habitat studio, a popular venue for stand-up comedy, announced its temporary closure following the vandalism. In a statement, the studio expressed shock and concern over the incident, emphasizing that artists are solely responsible for their content and that the venue has never been involved in the material performed. ​

Opposition leaders, especially from the group headed by Uddhav Thackeray, denounced the vandalism. Aaditya Thackeray questioned the state’s law and order scenario under the present government and branded the act as cowardly.

Mindhe’s coward gang breaks the comedy show stage where comedian @kunalkamra88 put out a song on eknath mindhe which was 100% true.

Only an insecure coward would react to a song by someone.

Btw law and order in the state?

Another attempt to undermine the CM and Home Minister…

— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) March 23, 2025

While Priyanka Chaturvedi questioned the rationale of violence over difference, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut praised Kamra’s video as “Kunal Ka Kamal.”

The legatee is defending the violence over the comedy skit. I have disagreed with Kunal several times and he knows that but to justify violence on disagreement is a disgrace! Legatee won’t get it, khairaat par jo hai.

— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) March 23, 2025

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The only way forward… pic.twitter.com/nfVFZz7MtY

— Kunal Kamra (@kunalkamra88) March 23, 2025

To answer the criticism, Kunal Kamra posted a picture of himself holding a small copy of the Indian Constitution and writing “The only way forward” next to it. This shows how much he cares about ideas that come from the Constitution and free speech.